Using the combined flow control accessory to the aerodynamic performance enhancement of bio-inspired seagull airfoils

Abstract

An airfoil with good stability and a high lift-drag ratio can effectively improve the stability and aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine blade. Inspired by the excellent gliding performance of the seagull wings, the unique profile and structure of the seagull wings are first extracted to restructure the bionic airfoil. Then, the flow control accessory combined the bionic flap and Gurney flap is introduced to further improve the static and dynamic aerodynamic performance of bionic seagull airfoil. Under different Reynolds numbers, the effects of the combined flow control accessory on the bionic seagull airfoil are investigated using the numerical simulation method. Based on the analysis of flow fields, the flow control mechanism of the combined flow control accessory on the stall characteristics of bionic seagull airfoil is revealed. The results show that for the static stall characteristics, when the flow control accessory is applied to the bionic airfoil, the static lift coefficient of the airfoil is increased by 15% at Reynolds numbers of Re 2.0 × 105. For the dynamic stall characteristics, the lift coefficient of the airfoil is improved during the whole dynamic stall process, the maximum is increased by 13.12%, and the area of the dynamic hysteresis loop is reduced.