Abstract
A series of wind tunnel tests were carried out to determine the effect of shark scale-based vortex generators (SSVG) on a NACA 0015 symmetrical airfoil’s aerodynamic characteristics. Three different sets of SSVG with varying geometrical parameters, such as chord length, amplitude, and wavelength, were designed and fabricated using 3D printing. The SSVG models were blended to the baseline NACA 0015 symmetrical airfoil. The wind tunnel experiments were performed over the test airfoil mounted with different sets of SSVG at various angles of attack, ranging from 0° to 24° in increments of 3°, and operating in the range of Re = 2 × 105. The results revealed that the SSVG blended test airfoil reduced the drag and increased the maximum coefficient of lift (CLmax), thereby enhancing the overall aerodynamic performance. The SSVG offered noteworthy aerodynamic benefits by effectively altering the flow and causing significant spanwise variation in the flow properties. Additionally, attempts were made to identify the optimum chordwise location to blend the SSVG for effective use.
Highlights
To overcome the performance degradation caused by flow separation, researchers [1,2,3,4] have recently focused their attention on biomimetic devices and systems related to aerodynamics and flow control technologies
As we knew that the efficiency of the vortex generators greatly depends upon the chordwise position, the present study investigated the effectiveness of scale-based bio-inspired vortex generators (SSVG) at three different chordwise locations, namely 0.3C, 0.5C, and 0.8C, respectively
The maximum lift coefficient (CLmax) of the modified wing blended with SSVG showed a 3.80% and 18.37% increase relative to the baseline clean wing configuration and the modified wing model blended with conventional rectangular vortex generators, respectively
Summary
To overcome the performance degradation caused by flow separation, researchers [1,2,3,4] have recently focused their attention on biomimetic devices and systems related to aerodynamics and flow control technologies. Vortex generators are effective aerodynamic flow separation controlling device, and are used to enhance aerodynamic performance The addition of such passive devices to an airfoil to control the flow under more favorable conditions has been prevalent for decades, whereas the use of biomimetic solutions is limited [6]. One such fascinating study was on utilizating of a shark scale denticular structure as a form of vortex generator over the airfoil.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
