A Parametric Study of Flapped Airfoil Lift Enhancement by Vortex Generators

Abstract

Abstract

This paper focuses on a suppression of the flow separation, which occurs on a deflected flap, by means of vortex generators (VGs). An NACA 63A421 airfoil with a simple flap and vane-type vortex generators was used.  The investigation was carried out by using experimental and numerical methods.  The data from the numerical simulation of the flapped airfoil without VGs control were used for the vortex generator design.  Two different sizes and shapes, along with various spacing of the vortex generators, were tested.  The flow past the airfoil was visualized with tuft filaments and oil-flow visualization.  The experiments were performed in closed circuit wind tunnels with closed and open test sections.  The lift curves for cases without and with vortex generators were acquired for the determination of the lift coefficient improvement. The improvement was achieved for several cases by means of all the applied methods.