Aerodynamic Performance Characteristics of NACA 0010 Cascade with Gurney Flaps

Abstract

Abstract Computational investigations on the effect of Gurney flaps in a NACA 0010 cascade with a 90o blade angle were carried out using STARCCM+ code. The flaps were positioned at the trailing edge of the blades and were aligned at 45o and 90o to the blade chord. The variations in the lift, drag, aerodynamic efficiency and static pressure distributions were recorded on the blades and were compared with the baseline case. Significant increase in the lift coefficient was observed due to the Gurney flaps accompanied by a small drag penalty. This is achieved by increasing the effective camber of the blade, thereby increasing the pressure difference between the pressure and suction surfaces. The Gurney flaps increased the aerodynamic efficiency of the blade at lower angles of attack, whereas at higher angles a small drop in the value was observed.