Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2025
09:17
Experimental Investigation of the Flow Structure over a Delta Wing Via Flow Visualization Methods
Published on: April 23, 2018
10.5K
CFD based design optimization of dimples induced on Blended Wing Body airframe using the Taguchi method
Haris Ali1, Mohammad Rasidi Rasani1, Zambri Harun1
1Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
Plos One
|April 17, 2025
Summary
Optimizing dimple design on Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) airframes improves aerodynamic efficiency. Dimple diameter significantly impacts drag and lift-to-drag ratio, guiding passive flow control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
- Aerodynamics
Background:
- Passive flow control methods are crucial for enhancing aircraft aerodynamic efficiency.
- Dimples are a promising passive flow control technique for airframes.
- Optimizing dimple geometry is key to maximizing their effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize the design of dimples on a Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) airframe.
- To investigate the impact of various dimple design parameters on aerodynamic performance.
- To identify optimal dimple configurations for improved lift-to-drag ratio.
Main Methods:
- Design of Experiments (DOE) framework with the Taguchi method.
- Utilized an L18 orthogonal array to test 18 configurations.
- Conducted high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations for aerodynamic analysis.
- Applied Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and Pareto Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for data interpretation.
Main Results:
- Dimple diameter was the most influential parameter on drag coefficient (CD) and lift-to-drag ratio (L/D).
- Indentation depth had the least significant impact on aerodynamic performance.
- An optimal combination of dimple design variables (A1B1C1D3E3) was identified to minimize CD and maximize L/D.
Conclusions:
- Dimple design optimization significantly enhances aerodynamic efficiency in BWB airframes.
- Dimple diameter is a critical factor for effective passive flow control.
- The findings provide practical guidelines for dimple application in aerospace.
Related Concept Videos
01:26General External Flow Characteristics
50
The study of external flow is essential for creating structures and objects that interact efficiently and safely with moving fluids, such as air or water. When a body is immersed in a flowing fluid, it experiences two primary forces: drag, which opposes motion along the flow direction, and lift, which acts perpendicular to the flow. The shape, size, and orientation of the object influence these forces.Streamlined and Blunt Bodies in External FlowObjects in fluid flow are classified as...
50
01:15Determination of Pi Terms
113
The Buckingham Pi theorem is a valuable method in dimensional analysis, reducing complex relationships between variables into dimensionless terms. Relevant variables in analyzing the lift force on an airplane wing include lift force, air density, wing area, aircraft velocity, and air viscosity. Expressing each variable in terms of fundamental dimensions — mass, length, and time — provides a consistent foundation for constructing these dimensionless terms.
The theorem indicates that...
The theorem indicates that...
113
00:55Composite Bodies
1.0K
A composite body is a body made up of multiple parts, connected to form a larger, unified object. Each part has its own weight and center of gravity, which must be considered to determine the center of gravity of the composite body. In cases where the density or specific weight is constant, the center of gravity coincides with the centroid.
Composite bodies have widespread applications in mechanical engineering, from automobiles to aircraft to rockets. For example, an automobile wheel comprises...
Composite bodies have widespread applications in mechanical engineering, from automobiles to aircraft to rockets. For example, an automobile wheel comprises...
1.0K
01:14Moments of Inertia: Problem Solving
539
The second moment of an area, also known as the moment of inertia of an area, is a geometric property of a shape that reflects its resistance to change. The moment of inertia of an area can be calculated for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes. The moment of inertia of an area is calculated by taking the sum of the product of the area and the square of its distance from a chosen axis of rotation. For two-dimensional shapes, the moment of inertia can be expressed as a single...
539
01:15Prismatic Beams: Problem Solving
99
In the design of a supported timber beam subjected to a distributed load, both the beam's physical dimensions and the timber's characteristics, such as its grade and species, are critical. These factors determine the allowable stress values, which are crucial for calculating the necessary beam depth to ensure structural integrity and safety.
The design begins with analyzing the beam as a free body to identify moments and force balances, thereby determining support reactions. Next, the...
The design begins with analyzing the beam as a free body to identify moments and force balances, thereby determining support reactions. Next, the...
99
01:23Lift
33
Lift is a fundamental aerodynamic force that acts perpendicular to the direction of airflow. It plays a central role in achieving and sustaining flight and in stabilizing various vehicles. Lift primarily originates from pressure differences created across surfaces, such as an airfoil. A lower pressure region forms above the wing, while a higher pressure region forms below it, generating an upward force. This differential results from the shape and orientation of the airfoil, enabling the wing...
33