Optimization and development of an airfoil by Bezier curve through computational analysis

Abstract

Airfoils play a pivotal role in the turbomachinery field, influencing energy efficiency in various applications, including aircraft design and fluid product blending. This research focuses on the optimization of airfoil shapes, aiming to design a new generalized airfoil with adjustable parameters through the application of Bezier curve theory. The investigation employs a combination of experimental techniques in a Low-Speed Open-Type Wind Tunnel and computational simulations using ANSYS Fluent as the flow solver. The study considers the existing C4 Profile and introduces a novel airfoil with varying angles of attack(A.O.A), ranging from 0 degrees to + 30 degrees in 5-degree increments. Steady-state simulations are conducted to solve Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) Equations, utilizing the shear stress transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model and the Standard k-epsilon turbulence model as closure models, with a moderate turbulence intensity of 5%. The newly designed airfoil, referred to as the Circular arc cambered airfoil, is created using the Bezier curve theory, resulting in a generalized form with adjustable shape parameters. The research findings indicate that the Circular arc cambered airfoil exhibits superior aerodynamic efficiency, generating increased lift and reduced drag when compared to the conventional C4 Profile airfoil. This study contributes to the ongoing exploration of airfoil design optimization, offering insights into the potential enhancements achievable through Bezier curve-based adjustments in shape parameters.