An Investigation of the Dependence of 3D Semi-Span Wing Behaviour on the Leading-edge Tubercles Configuration

Abstract

Inspired by nature, experiments on the aerodynamic behavior of wings and wind turbines with sinusoidal leading-edge continued over the last two decades. The studies showed promising results at post-stall flow regimes as tubercles cause a more gradual lift loss and a higher stall angle of attack. This study aims to investigate numerically the dependence of the wing's aerodynamic coefficients on the tubercle's wavelength and amplitude at the stall angle of attack and 3D flow regime. The results show that increasing the tubercle's average amplitude up to 0.02 of the average chord increases the lift coefficient by 23.61% and decreases the drag coefficient by 4.61%. Similarly, decreasing the wavelength especially up to 1.1096 of the average chord increases the lift coefficient up to 21.55% and decreases the drag coefficient by 9.50%. Flow visualization shows that zones of attaching and separation flow form on the suction surface of the scalloped wings whereas the baseline wing is in a deep stall.