Passive flow control strategies for low Reynolds number airfoils

Abstract

This study focuses on ameliorating the aerodynamic performance of an airfoil in low Reynolds number regime by implementing a passive flow control technique to suppress the effects created by the bubble bursting which holds significance in enhancing the aerodynamic performance of SUAVs which fall under this regime. A numerical study is conducted for the flow over E387 airfoil at a Reynolds number 105 to investigate the effects of the implementation of the passive flow control configuration on the laminar separation bubble dynamics. It is noted that orientation, thickness, inlet location, and configuration of the passive flow control passage had imposed significant effects on lift and drag coefficients generated by the airfoil. A significant drag reduction was achieved when the airfoil is implemented with a slot oriented at 30° that has a converging exit which resulted in the rise of the airfoil’s aerodynamic efficiency.