M.Ing. / The aim of this dissertation is to apply numerical aerodynamic principles to the characterization of an alternative stepped aerofoil concept. The accurate and efficient determination of the aerodynamic forces caused by the relative fluid motion and the consequent lift and drag coefficients are essential for the characterization of new aerofoils. The numerical method used is in the form of a Computational Fluid Dynamics code, which integrates the Navier-Stokes equations through finite-volume dictretization principals. A two-dimensional approximate analysis procedure is used together with a two-equation turbulence approximation in the form of the "standard" k-c turbulence model. Available software is used and adapted where applicable. A suitable method for comparing wing section characteristics as a function of profile geometry and attitude is developed in this thesis. This is achieved by first refining a numerical test case and quantifying the influences of model parameters such as grid design, boundary conditions and solution variables. Alternative geometrical aerofoil concepts can then be characterized by employing the same principles. This thesis contains selected results of hundreds such numerical simulations, all of which were necessary to refine the test case and eventually characterize the aerofoils. The proposed wing section geometry, incorporating a rearward-facing step shows some improvement in aerodynamic performance over a standard reference case. Geometrical variations of the step concept are also investigated and can later be used in an optimization procedure. A transient simulation approach is employed for unsteady cases and flow visualization is done in order to learn more about the unique aerodynamic action of the proposed concept. Experimental results obtained in a wind tunnel for the pressure around the investigated aerofoils are used to verify numerical results. Further development in the numerical approach may include the use of additional, more advanced turbulence models. This may allow the research of more complex phenomena such as stall and also broader ranges of Reynolds numbers in more detail. To complete the characterization process, the moment coefficients should also be included.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:3011 |
| Date | 22 August 2012 |
| Creators | Van Tonder, Martinus Stefanus |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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