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Passive flow-field control using dimples for improved aerodynamic flow over a wing
Haris Ali1, Mohammad Rasidi Rasani2, Zambri Harun3
1Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. P119583@siswa.ukm.edu.my.
Scientific Reports
|June 5, 2024
Summary
Dimples on a straight rectangular wing reduce drag by up to 6.6% by maintaining attached airflow. This aerodynamic enhancement improves wing performance without significantly altering lift.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
- Applied Physics
Background:
- Aerodynamic performance of lifting surfaces is critical in aerospace applications.
- Flow separation and drag are key challenges in wing design.
- Surface modifications offer potential for performance enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the aerodynamic effects of dimple configurations on a straight rectangular wing.
- To quantify changes in drag and lift coefficients due to dimpled surfaces.
- To analyze the flow field and understand the mechanisms behind performance changes.
Main Methods:
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were employed.
- The k-ω Shear-Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model was utilized.
- Numerical results were validated against experimental and prior simulation data.
Main Results:
- Dimpled wing surfaces reduced the drag coefficient (CD) by up to 6.6%.
- Dimples helped sustain attached airflow, delaying flow separation.
- Lift coefficient (CL) showed negligible changes with dimple incorporation.
Conclusions:
- Dimpled surfaces significantly enhance the aerodynamic performance of wings.
- Dimples offer a viable strategy for drag reduction in aerodynamic designs.
- The study confirms the efficacy of dimples in improving lift-to-drag ratios.
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