Aerodynamic performance improvement of WIG aircraft

2017 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mojtaba Tahani ◽  
Mehran Masdari ◽  
Ali Bargestan
Keyword(s):  
Dihedral Angle ◽  
Twist Angle ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Ground Effect ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Aerodynamic Performance ◽  
Sweep Angle ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ground Clearance ◽  
Geometrical Characteristics

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics as well as static stability of wing-in-ground effect aircraft. The effect of geometrical characteristics, namely, twist angle, dihedral angle, sweep angle and taper ratio are examined. Design/methodology/approach A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic code is developed to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of the effect. The turbulent model is utilized for characterization of flow over wing surface. Findings The numerical results show that the maximum change of the drag coefficient depends on the angle of attack, twist angle and ground clearance, in a decreasing order. Also, it is found that the lift coefficient increases as the ground clearance, twist angle and dihedral angle decrease. On the other hand, the sweep angle does not have a significant effect on the lift coefficient for the considered wing section and Reynolds number. Also, as the aerodynamic characteristics increase, the taper ratio befits in trailing state. Practical implications To design an aircraft, the effect of each design parameter needs to be estimated. For this purpose, the sensitivity analysis is used. In this paper, the influence of all parameter against each other including ground clearance, angle of attack, twist angle, dihedral angle and sweep angle for the NACA 6409 are investigated. Originality/value As a summary, the contribution of this paper is to predict the aerodynamic performance for the cruise condition. In this study, the sensitivity of the design parameter on aerodynamic performance can be estimated and the effect of geometrical characteristics has been investigated in detail. Also, the best lift to drag coefficient for the NACA 6409 wing section specifies and two types of taper ratios in ground effect are compared.

Experimental Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Compound Wing in Ground Effect

2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Jamei ◽  
Adi Maimun Abdul Malek ◽  
Shuhaimi Mansor ◽  
Nor Azwadi Che Sidik ◽  
Agoes Priyanto
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Drag Coefficient ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Angle Of Attack ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Ground Effect ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Ground Clearance

Wing configuration is a parameter that affects the performance of wing-in-ground effect (WIG) craft. In this study, the aerodynamic characteristics of a new compound wing were investigated during ground effect. The compound wing was divided into three parts with a rectangular wing in the middle and two reverse taper wings with anhedral angle at the sides. The sectional profile of the wing model is NACA6409. The experiments on the compound wing and the rectangular wing were carried to examine different ground clearances, angles of attack, and Reynolds numbers. The aerodynamic coefficients of the compound wing were compared with those of the rectangular wing, which had an acceptable increase in its lift coefficient at small ground clearances, and its drag coefficient decreased compared to rectangular wing at a wide range of ground clearances, angles of attack, and Reynolds numbers. Furthermore, the lift to drag ratio of the compound wing improved considerably at small ground clearances. However, this improvement decreased at higher ground clearance. The drag polar of the compound wing showed the increment of lift coefficient versus drag coefficient was higher especially at small ground clearances. The Reynolds number had a gradual effect on lift and drag coefficients and also lift to drag of both wings. Generally, the nose down pitching moment of the compound wing was found smaller, but it was greater at high angle of attack and Reynolds number for all ground clearance. The center of pressure was closer to the leading edge of the wing in contrast to the rectangular wing. However, the center of pressure of the compound wing was later to the leading edge at high ground clearance, angle of attack, and Reynolds number.

scholarly journals Effect of Ground Proximity on Aerodynamic Characteristics of NACA 4412 Airfoil.

2022 ◽  
pp. 96-104
Author(s):  
Aditi Deekshita Pallay ◽  
Abdul Wahab ◽  
Akhil Shesham ◽  
Y D Dwivedi
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Ground Effect ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Aerodynamic Performance ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Ground Clearance ◽  
Induced Drag ◽  
Good Accordance ◽  
Low Speed Wind Tunnel

Ground effect plays a vital role in modulating the flow behavior over any streamlined body. The most widely used wing-in ground effect (WIG) aircrafts and seaplanes utilize this phenomenon in order to enhance the aerodynamic performance during the landing and take-off phases of flight. This paper investigates the aerodynamics of ground effect on a NACA 4412 rectangular wing without end plates. The experiment was conducted in a low-speed wind tunnel at Re=2×105 for the ground clearance of 1 and 0.5 of the chord, measured from the maximum thickness position on the airfoil. The pressure distribution over the chord length was recorded for α=3° and 6° to verify the effect of ground clearance during takeoffs. The results have shown to be in good accordance with the literature, as the coefficient of lift augmented with increase in ground proximity and the induced drag was minimized.

scholarly journals Experimental Investigation of the Ground Effect of WIG Craft—NEW1 Model

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Sakornsin ◽  
Thipyopas ◽  
Atipan
Keyword(s):  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Ground Effect ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Negative Slope ◽  
Stream Velocity ◽  
Longitudinal Stability ◽  
Moment Coefficient ◽  
The Moment

Navy Experimental Wing-in-Ground-Effect (WIG) craft namely as NEW1, is the first version of 2-seated WIG craft which has been designed and developed by Royal Thai Navy since 2017. This experimental research is a part of the NEW1 project which aims to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics and aspects of the flow passing through the WIG craft model when in ground effect. In the experiment, the WIG craft—NEW1 of 1:15 scale model is tested in a close circuit wind tunnel of 1 m × 1 m test section at Kasetsart University. The tests are conducted at the free stream velocity of 40 m/s or Reynolds number of 280,000, at angles of attack ranging from −9° to 21°, and at the wing to ground distances ranging from 5.0 C to 0.3 C. The measurement of 6-DoF of forces and moments and pressure distributions on the ground surface underneath the WIG craft model are made during the tests. The results show that the ground has significant effects on the aerodynamic characteristics of the WIG craft model when the wing to ground distance is less than its mean chord. It was found that when the model move from 5.0 C (out of ground effect) to 0.3 C, the lift coefficient increases up to 15.7%, the drag coefficient decreases up to 5.6%, and the lift to drag ratio increases 33.4%. The proximity of the model to the ground also affects the longitudinal stability of the model. The moment coefficient curves against angle of attack has negative slope for both in and out of ground effect indicating favorable longitudinal stability. However, it was found that the aerodynamic center move further aft toward the trailing edge when the model move closer to the ground.

An experimental parametric study on planar sheared wings tip devices for low-to-moderate aspect ratio wings

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lourelay Moreira dos Santos ◽  
Guilherme Ferreira Gomes ◽  
Rogerio F. Coimbra
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Aspect Ratio ◽  
Parametric Study ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Sweep Angle ◽  
Wind Tunnel Tests ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wing Tips ◽  
Wing Tip

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of a low-to-moderate-aspect-ratio, tapered, untwisted, unswept wing, equipped of sheared wing tips. Design/methodology/approach In this work, wind tunnel tests were made to study the influence in aerodynamic characteristics over a typical low-to-moderate-aspect-ratio wing of a general aviation aircraft, equipped with sheared – swept and tapered planar – wing tips. An experimental parametric study of different wing tips was tested. Variations in its leading and trailing edge sweep angle as well as variations in wing tip taper ratio were considered. Sheared wing tips modify the flow pattern in the outboard region of the wing producing a vortex flow at the wing tip leading edge, enhancing lift at high angles of attack. Findings The induced drag is responsible for nearly 50% of aircraft total drag and can be reduced through modifications to the wing tip. Some wing tip models present complex geometries and many of them present benefits in particular flight conditions. Results have demonstrated that sweeping the wing tip leading edge between 60 and 65 degrees offers an increment in wing aerodynamic efficiency, especially at high lift conditions. However, results have demonstrated that moderate wing tip taper ratio (0.50) has better aerodynamic benefits than highly tapered wing tips (from 0.25 to 0.15), even with little less wing tip leading edge sweep angle (from 57 to 62 degrees). The moderate wing tip taper ratio (0.50) offers more wing area and wing span than the wings with highly tapered wing tips, for the same aspect ratio wing. Originality/value Although many studies have been reported on the aerodynamics of wing tips, most of them presented complex non-planar geometries and were developed for cruise flight in high subsonic regime (low lift coefficient). In this work, an exploration and parametric study through wind tunnel tests were made, to evaluate the influence in aerodynamic characteristics of a low-to-moderate-aspect-ratio, tapered, untwisted, unswept wing, equipped of sheared wing tips (wing tips highly swept and tapered).

Unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of a morphing wing

2018 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinwu Xiang ◽  
Kai Liu ◽  
Daochun Li ◽  
Chunxiao Cheng ◽  
Enlai Sha
Keyword(s):  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Angle Of Attack ◽  
Large Angle ◽  
Unsteady Aerodynamics ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Static Case ◽  
Morphing Wing ◽  
Trailing Edge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unsteady Aerodynamic

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics in the deflection process of a morphing wing with flexible trailing edge, which is based on time-accurate solutions. The dynamic effect of deflection process on the aerodynamics of morphing wing was studied. Design/methodology/approach The computational fluid dynamic method and dynamic mesh combined with user-defined functions were used to simulate the continuous morphing of the flexible trailing edge. The steady aerodynamic characteristics of the morphing deflection and the conventional deflection were studied first. Then, the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of the morphing wing were investigated as the trailing edge deflects at different rates. Findings The numerical results show that the transient lift coefficient in the deflection process is higher than that of the static case one in large angle of attack. The larger the deflection frequency is, the higher the transient lift coefficient will become. However, the situations are contrary in a small angle of attack. The periodic morphing of the trailing edge with small amplitude and high frequency can increase the lift coefficient after the stall angle. Practical implications The investigation can afford accurate aerodynamic information for the design of aircraft with the morphing wing technology, which has significant advantages in aerodynamic efficiency and control performance. Originality/value The dynamic effects of the deflection process of the morphing trailing edge on aerodynamics were studied. Furthermore, time-accurate solutions can fully explore the unsteady aerodynamics and pressure distribution of the morphing wing.

Dynamic stall of an airfoil with different mounting angle of gurney flap

2020 ◽  
Vol 92 (7) ◽  
pp. 1037-1048
Author(s):  
Mehran Masdari ◽  
Milad Mousavi ◽  
Mojtaba Tahani
Keyword(s):  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Oscillation Amplitude ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Aerodynamic Performance ◽  
Dynamic Stall ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Naca0012 Airfoil ◽  
Gurney Flap ◽  
Stall Angle ◽  
Axis Length

Purpose One of the best methods to improve wind turbine aerodynamic performance is modification of the blade’s airfoil. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of gurney flap geometry and its oscillation parameters on the pitching NACA0012 airfoil. Design/methodology/approach This numerical solution has been carried out for different cases of gurney flap mounting angles, heights, reduced frequencies and oscillation amplitudes, then the results were compared to each other. The finite volume method was used for the discretization of the governing equations, and the PISO algorithm was used to solve the equations. Also, the “SST” was adopted as the turbulence model in the simulation. Findings In this paper, the different parameters of gurney flap were investigated. The results showed that the best range of gurney flap height are between 1 and 3.2% of chord and the best ratio of lifting to drag coefficient is achieved in gurney flap with an angle of 90° relative to the chord direction. The dynamic stall angle of the airfoil with gurney flap decreases were compared to without gurney flap. Earlier LEV formation can be one of the main reasons for decreasing the dynamic stall angle of the airfoil with gurney flap. Increasing the reduced frequency and oscillation amplitude causes rising of maximum lift coefficient and consequently lift curve slope. Moreover, gurney flap with mounting angle has a lower hinge moment than the gurney flap without mounting angle but with the same vertical axis length. So, there is more complexity in structural design concerning the gurney flap without mounting angle. Practical implications Improving aerodynamic efficiency of airfoils is vital for obtaining more output power in VAWTs. Gurney flaps are one of the best mechanisms to increase the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil and increases the efficiency of VAWTs. Originality/value Investigating the hinge moment on the connection point of the airfoil, gurney flap and try to compare the gurney flap with and without angle.

Experimental investigation of the aerodynamic characteristics of generic fan-in-wing configurations

2009 ◽  
Vol 113 (1139) ◽  
pp. 9-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Thouault ◽  
C. Breitsamter ◽  
N. A. Adams ◽  
C. Gologan ◽  
J. Seifert
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Investigation ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Ground Effect ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Flow Visualisation ◽  
Force Measurements ◽  
Tunnel Model ◽  
Image Velocimetry ◽  
Flow Circulation ◽  
Stereo Particle Image Velocimetry

Abstract This experimental investigation concentrates on the aerodynamic behaviour of a generic fan-in-wing configuration. The effects of the fan(s) on the flow circulation in a short take-off and landing or a transition flight condition without ground effect are evaluated. A wind-tunnel model has been constructed and tested to quantify the aerodynamic effects. Force measurements, surface pressure measurements, stereo-particle image velocimetry and wool tufts flow visualisation are performed. Different fan-in-wing configurations with the fans rotating in the wing plane, one fan either at the rear or front part of the wing and two fans are compared to the closed wing without fans set as reference. A fan placed near the trailing edge improves significantly the lift coefficient due to a jet flap effect on the wing lower side combined with enhanced suction on the wing upper side. The jet exiting the nozzle rolls up in a counter rotating pair of vortices affecting significantly the wing behaviour. This experimental investigation constitutes also a useful database for further CFD comparison.

Optimal wingtip device design for transport airplane

2018 ◽  
Vol 90 (5) ◽  
pp. 743-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bento Silva de Mattos ◽  
Paulo Jiniche Komatsu ◽  
Jesuíno Takachi Tomita
Keyword(s):  
Optimization Design ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
The Other ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Design Framework ◽  
Viscous Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fuel Burn ◽  
Cfd Analyses

Purpose The present work aims to analyze the feasibility of wingtip device incorporation into transport airplane configurations considering many aspects such as performance, cost and environmental impact. A design framework encompassing optimization for wing-body configurations with and without winglets is described and application examples are presented and discussed. Design/methodology/approach modeFrontier, an object-oriented optimization design framework, was used to perform optimization tasks of configurations with wingtip devices. A full potential code with viscous effects correction was used to calculate the aerodynamic characteristics of the fuselage–wing–winglet configuration. MATLAB® was also used to perform some computations and was easily integrated into the modeFrontier frameworks. CFD analyses of transport airplanes configurations were also performed with Fluent and CFD++ codes. Findings Winglet provides considerable aerodynamic benefits regarding similar wings without winglets. Drag coefficient reduction in the order of 15 drag counts was achieved in the cruise condition. Winglet also provides a small boost in the clean-wing maximum lift coefficient. In addition, less fuel burn means fewer emissions and contributes toward preserving the environment. Practical implications More efficient transport airplanes, presenting considerable lower fuel burn. Social implications Among other contributions, wingtip devices reduce fuel burn, engine emissions and contribute to a longer engine lifespan, reducing direct operating costs. This way, they are in tune with a greener world. Originality/value The paper provides valuable wind-tunnel data of several winglet configurations, an impact of the incorporation of winglets on airplane design diagram and a direct comparison of two optimizations, one performed with winglets in the configuration and the other without winglets. These simulations showed that their Pareto fronts are clearly apart from each other, with the one from the configuration with winglets placed well above the other without winglets. The present simulations indicate that there are always aerodynamic benefits present regardless the skeptical statements of some engineers. that a well-designed wing does not need any winglet.

scholarly journals RESEARCH OF WING DIHEDRAL ANGLE EFFECT ON AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE OF TANDEM-WING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

2013 ◽  
pp. 90-101
Author(s):  
І. С. Кривохатько
Keyword(s):  
Dihedral Angle ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Aerodynamic Performance ◽  
Theoretical Explanation ◽  
Wing Span ◽  
Induced Drag ◽  
Rear Wing ◽  
Angle Effect ◽  
Drag Ratio ◽  
Lift To Drag Ratio

In the last decade folding tube launch UAV became common, for which aerodynamic scheme "tandem" is reasonable. By the time tandem-wing aerodynamic characteristics are researched much less than ones of traditional scheme. Particularly it concerns wing dihedral angle effect on lift-to-drag ratio about which no quantitative data were found.Forward or rear wing dihedral angle appearance result in circulation redistribution and changing of rear wing induced drag. Rear wing dihedral angle effect on longitudinal aerodynamic performance of tandem-wing UAV model was researched through wind tunnel experiment. Geometry variables were forward and rear wing spans, rear wing dihedral angle and longitudinal stagger. Lift, drag and longitudinal moment coefficients were defined.The possibility of lift-to-drag ratio increasing at cruise regime was proofed. Rear wing negative dihedral angle application is able to increase maximal lift-to-drag ratio by more than 1.0 or about 10 %.It was found that wing dihedral angle effectiveness depends from relation of forward and rear wing spans and from longitudinal stagger. Longitudinal stagger increasing results in dihedral angle effectiveness falling if forward wing span is higher than rear wing. For bigger rear wing span increasing of longitudinal stagger results in dihedral angle effectiveness gaining. The hypothesis was declared that proposes theoretical explanation of experimentally founded dependencies.Also dihedral angle appearance increases lift slope because of rear wing carrying capacity gain and has almost no influence on maximal lift coefficient.All dependencies founded for rear wing negative dihedral angle are correct for forward wing positive dihedral angle except the last one is increasing longitudinal and lateral stability.

CFD analysis of variable geometric angle winglets

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Hussain Kazim ◽  
Abdullah Hamid Malik ◽  
Hammad Ali ◽  
Muhammad Usman Raza ◽  
Awais Ahmad Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aerodynamic Performance ◽  
Sweep Angle ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wing Model ◽  
Induced Drag ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis ◽  
Attached Flow ◽  
Drag Ratio ◽  
Fuel Costs ◽  
Lift To Drag Ratio

Purpose Winglets play a major role in saving fuel costs because they reduce the lift-induced drag formed at the wingtips. The purpose of this paper is to obtain the best orientation of the winglet for the Office National d’Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales (ONERA) M6 wing at Mach number 0.84 in terms of lift to drag ratio. Design/methodology/approach A computational fluid dynamics analysis of the wing-winglet configuration based on the ONERA M6 airfoil on drag reduction for different attack angles at Mach 0.84 was performed using analysis of systems Fluent. First, the best values of cant and sweep angles in terms of aerodynamic performance were selected by performing simulations. The analysis included cant angle values of 30°, 40°, 45°, 55°, 60°, 70° and 75°, while for the sweep angles 35°, 45°, 55°, 65° and 75° angles were used. The aerodynamic performance was measured in terms of the obtained lift to drag ratios. Findings The results showed that slight alternations in the winglet configuration can improve aerodynamic performance for various attack angles. The best lift to drag ratio for the winglet was achieved at a cant angle of 30° and a sweep angle of 65°, which caused a 5.33% increase in the lift to drag ratio. The toe-out angle winglets as compared to the toe-in angles caused the lift to drag ratio to increase because of more attached flow at its surface. The maximum value of the lift to drag ratio was obtained with a toe-out angle (−5°) at an angle of attack 3° which was 2.53% greater than the zero-toed angle winglet. Originality/value This work is relatively unique because the cant, sweep and toe angles were analyzed altogether and led to a significant reduction in drag as compared to wing without winglet. The wing model was compared with the results provided by National Aeronautics and Space Administration so this validated the simulation for different wing-winglet configurations.

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