Flow control method by applying flexible shells procedure in transonic flow

Abstract

Purpose In the present research, the effect of the flexible shells method in unsteady viscous flow around airfoil has been studied. In the presented algorithm, due to the interaction of the aerodynamic forces and the structural stiffness (fluid-structural interaction), a geometrical deformation as the bump is created in the area where the shock occurs. This bump causes instead of compressive waves, a series of expansion waves that produce less drag and also improve the aerodynamic performance to be formed. The purpose of this paper is to reduce wave drag throughout the flight range. By using this method, we can be more effective than recent methods throughout the flight because if there is a shock, a bump will form in that area, and if the shock does not occur, the shape of the airfoil will not change. Design/methodology/approach In this simulation pressure-based procedure to solve the Navier-Stokes equation with collocated finite volume formulation has been developed. For this purpose, a high-resolution scheme for fluid and structure simulation in transonic flows with an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian method is considered. To simulate Navier-Stokes equations large eddy simulation model for compressible flow is used. Findings A new concept has been defined to reduce the transonic flow drag. To reduce drag force and increase the performance of airfoil in transonic flow, the shell can be considered flexible in the area of shock on the airfoil surface. This method refers to the use of smart materials in the aircraft wing shell. Originality/value The value of the paper is to develop a new approach to improve the aerodynamic performance and reduce drag force and the efficiency of the method throughout the flight. It is noticeable that the new algorithm can detect the shock region automatically; this point was disregarded in the previous studies. It is hoped that this research will open a door to significantly enhance transonic airfoil performance.