Effects of Leading-Edge Tubercles on the Generation of Lift by NACA 4412 Airfoil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/6vcxpz86Keywords:
Aerodynamics, Biomimetic, AirfoilAbstract
This paper explores the tubercle effect on the generation of lift by airfoils by utilizing 3D printed versions of the NACA 4412, 0012, and 2412. Existing work often utilizes specialized or symmetric sections at more ideal conditions utilizing lab grade wind tunnels and load cells [1][2][3], but the results created by the tubercle effect on a cambered airfoil (the NACA 4412) that could be utilized in common setting and at a lower Re value remain more obscure [2][3]. To test the tubercle effect on the cambered airfoil, a custom open-circuit wind tunnel was constructed where multiple tests were run at differing wind speeds to measure the lift generated by the aforementioned airfoils at differing angles of attack. The data was gathered over multiple trials per fan speed and angle of attack for repeatability, where the fan speed and pressure differentials were measured using microcontroller systems. The results at the highest fan speed available (Re of ~3.1104 to ~3.7104) showed that the tubercled NACA 4412 produced a higher mean CL than the base variant, most visibly at angles of attack 10o-15o, where at 15o the tubercled wing had mean CL 0.96 while the base variant had mean CL 0.85 (a 13% difference). No stall was visible in the tested ranges, and thus the classic claim of delayed stall was not verified here.
References
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