Experimental and numerical investigation of the effects of passive vortex generators on Aludra UAV performance

Tan Kar Zhen, Muhammed Zubair, Kamarul Arifin Ahmad

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A study of the effects of passive vortex generators (VGs) on Aludra unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aerodynamic characteristics is presented. Both experimental and numerical works are carried out where an array of VGs is attached on Aludra UAV's wing. The flow measurements are made at various angles of attack by using 3-axis component balance system. In the numerical investigation, the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) code FLUENT 6.3™ is used in the simulations with fully structured mesh with Spalart-Allmaras (S-A) turbulence model and standard wall function. The comparison between the experimental and numerical results reveals a satisfactory agreement. The parametric study shows that higher maximum lift coefficient is achieved when the VGs are placed nearer to the separation point. In addition to this, shorter spanwise distance between the VGs also increases the maximum lift coefficient, rectangular and curve-edge VG performs better than triangular VG.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)577-583
Number of pages7
JournalChinese Journal of Aeronautics
Volume24
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10-2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

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