On the airfoil leading-edge noise reduction using poro-wavy leading edges

Abstract

This paper presents numerical studies on airfoil leading-edge turbulence interaction noise reduction using poro-wavy leading edges. Three different bionic treatments including wavy leading edges, porous leading edges, and a novel combined poro-wavy leading edges are modeled. The turbulent flow field is solved using the improved delayed detached eddy simulation method. The aerodynamic noise is predicted using the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings acoustic analogy theory. The inflow Mach number is approximately 0.12 with an angle of attack of 0°, and the chord-based Reynolds number is 400 000. The present numerical method is first validated against experimental data and previous studies. Then the effects of the three bionic treatments on the aerodynamic performance and the aeroacoustic performance are analyzed. The results show that all the three bionic treatments will increase the mean drag of the airfoil, especially for the airfoils with porous treatment, while the lift and drag fluctuations are significantly reduced by the three bionic treatments. The wavy leading edges are found to be more effective for the reduction of broadband noise, while the porous leading edges are more effective for the reduction of the tonal noise. For the poro-wavy leading edges, both the tonal noise and broadband noise are significantly reduced, which means that the combined poro-wavy leading edges possess both the advantages of the wavy and porous treatments. The underlying flow mechanisms responsible for the noise reduction are finally analyzed in detail.