Modification of turbulent airfoil section flow using a combined control action

Abstract

Both numerically and experimentally, the possibility of using a combined method to control the incompressible turbulent boundary layer on a symmetric airfoil section of 12-% relative thickness implemented via the blowing/suction of air through a finely perforated section provided on the wing surface part was examined. The study was performed at Reynolds number Re_c = 0.7·10⁶ in the range of angles of attack α = −6 ÷ 6°. The mechanism of action of this flow control method on the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing was identified. An ambiguous pattern of the effect due to blowing/suction from the viewpoint of ensuring a maximum lift, a gain in wing lift-to-drag ratio, and a reduction of wing aerodynamic drag was revealed.