Numerical Investigation on the Effect of Propeller Slipstream on the Performance of Wing at Low Reynolds Numbers

Abstract

AbstractThe flow over a flat plate airfoil with 5-to-1 elliptical leading and trailing edge at Re = 80,000 and for different angles of attack (0°–15°) is numerically investigated by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. The \(k-\omega\) shear stress transport equation, \(\gamma -{Re}_{\theta }\) turbulent transition model is used to address the effect of laminar-turbulent transition. The present computed aerodynamic forces are compared with the available experimental data for validation. Large flow separation and a single recirculation zone is found at higher angles of attack. The study is extended to investigate the laminar separation bubble effect on a three-dimensional Zimmerman wing planform for Re = 50,000; 100,000 and 150,000 at different angles of attack. The present results agree well with the available experimental and computational data. The influence of propeller on the aerodynamic performance of a Zimmerman wing planform is investigated. The results show that the wing with propeller configuration has lower \({C}_{D}\) values compared to wing alone case. The results presented in this paper show the importance of modelling the propeller slipstream effects on the aerodynamic characteristics of low aspect ratio wing.KeywordsMicro air vehiclesLow Reynolds numbersAerodynamic characteristicsPropeller slipstream