Aerodynamic study of a leading-edge rotating cylinder in a cambered aerofoil (NACA2412)

• Published in: Aircraft engineering 2024-11, Vol.96 (10), p.1311-1320
• Main Authors: K.B., Ravichandrakumar, Ganapathy Subramanian, Lalgudi Ramachandran
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerodynamics; Aircraft control; Aircraft performance; Airfoils; Angle of attack; Asymmetry; Boundary conditions; Boundary layers; Cambered wings; Control methods; Drag reduction; Effectiveness; Energy efficiency; Flow control; Flow separation; Fluid dynamics; Lift; Optimization; Ratios; Rotating cylinders; Shear flow; Shear stress; Simulation; Stalling; Suction; Turbulence models; Velocity; Wings (aircraft)
• ISSN: 1748-8842; 1748-8842; 1758-4213
• DOI: 10.1108/AEAT-02-2024-0026

Purpose Flow separation over an aircraft’s wing beyond a specific angle of attack is challenging. Flow boundary layer manipulation has been investigated to improve aerofoil lift and mitigate flow separation difficulties including stall and drag. This is solved via active or passive flow control. Active flow control method moving surface boundary (MSB) enhances shear flow momentum, making it effective. MSB is easier than suction and blowing. Asymmetrical airfoils, which generate lift in aircraft wings, have received less MSB research than symmetrical ones. The purpose of this study is to asses the design efficacy of MSB’s NACA 2412 aerofoil. Design/methodology/approach To observe the performance of MSB in NACA 2412, a computational model has been created, and aerodynamical performance has been analyzed. Findings The study results show that the NACA 2412 with MSB has better aerodynamic efficiency than the NACA 2412 base design. It works best when it reaches its optimal speed and the delay in flow separation works well. Research limitations/implications Limitations may include specific aerofoil applicability, external factors and simulation constraints. Implications guide future research for broader insights and applications. Practical implications Improving asymmetrical aerofoil performance, mitigating stall effects, reducing drag and optimizing designs with moving surface boundary. Insights gained can enhance overall aircraft efficiency and flow control techniques. Originality/value The MSB flow control in a chambered aerofoil is less explored and not explored enough in wing-based aerofoils, and the optimal cylinder speed ratio trend has been discussed at each angle of attack studied.