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

Abstract

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.