Numerical exploration of the origin of aerodynamic enhancements in [low-Reynolds number] corrugated airfoils

Abstract

This paper explores the flow structure of a corrugated airfoil using a high-fidelity implicit large eddy simulation approach. The first three-dimensional simulations for a corrugated wing section are presented considering a range of Reynolds numbers of Rec = 5 × 103 to 5.8 × 104 bridging the gap left by previous numerical and experimental studies. Several important effects are shown to result from the corrugations in the leading-edge region. First, interaction between the detached shear layer and the first corrugation peak promotes recirculation upstream and enhances transition to turbulence due to flow instabilities. Thus, early transitional flow develops on the corrugated wing which helps to delay stall even at Reynolds numbers as low as Rec = 1 × 104. Transition is shown to occur as early as Rec = 7.5 × 103 and quickly advances toward the leading-edge as Reynolds number is increased. Modification of the first corrugation peak height produces significantly reduced separation and improved aerodynamic forces demonstrating the sensitivity of flow behavior to leading-edge geometry. Second, the unusual orientation of the corrugated surface and strong suction resulting from rapidly turning fluid over the separated region upstream of the first corrugation produces a new effect which serves to reduce drag. This effect was amplified through the enhanced interaction produced by a modified geometry. Corrugations were found to be most advantageous in the leading-edge region and could be optimized to properly take advantage of the flow field under different operating conditions.