Numerical and experimental study of the impact on aerodynamic characteristics of the NACA0012 airfoil

Abstract

Using computational models and low-speed wind tunnel tests, the aerodynamic characteristics of the NACA 0012 airfoil with low Re numbers of (8 × 104{10}^{4}, 2 × 105{10}^{5}, 3 × 105{10}^{5}, and 4 × 105){10}^{5}) and angle of attack (AOA) ranging from 0° to 18° by two steps are examined. Using the same 3-D wind tunnel dimensions, numerical simulations were run. The software program ANSYS FLUENT was used to solve the mathematical model using the continuity equation, the Navier‒Stokes equations, and the k–ω shear‒stress transport turbulence model. Findings demonstrate that at all AOAs, there is a direct relationship between Reynolds numbers (Re), lift and drag coefficients, kinetic energy, and stall angle. The lift coefficient rises linearly as the AOA increases, peaking at 14°, the stall angle at higher Reynolds number. The lift coefficient was found to decline when the AOA was increased further, reaching its minimal value at an AOA of 18°. With a greater AOA, the airfoil’s drag coefficient rises, creating turbulent flow. The eddies produced by the turbulence cause the flow to start separating from the airfoil surface as turbulence increases. As a result, the airfoil lift coefficient drops, and its drag coefficient rises at the same time, leading to poor performance. The validation of the numerical results through wind tunnel experiments provided confidence in the findings of the study.

Keywords

• airfoil
• drag coefficient
• lift coefficient
• naca0012
• angle of attack
• low reynolds number
• turbulent flow