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Application of wavy leading edge to enhance winglet aerodynamic performance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2023

J.A. Flores-Mezarina Open the ORCID record for J.A. Flores-Mezarina [Opens in a new window] ,
P.D. Bravo-Mosquera Open the ORCID record for P.D. Bravo-Mosquera [Opens in a new window] ,
D. Garcia-Ribeiro Open the ORCID record for D. Garcia-Ribeiro [Opens in a new window]  and
H.D. Cerón-Muñoz
J.A. Flores-Mezarina
Affiliation:
São Carlos Engineering School - University of São Paulo, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, São Carlos, Brazil
P.D. Bravo-Mosquera
Affiliation:
São Carlos Engineering School - University of São Paulo, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, São Carlos, Brazil
D. Garcia-Ribeiro
Affiliation:
São Carlos Engineering School - University of São Paulo, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, São Carlos, Brazil
H.D. Cerón-Muñoz*
Affiliation:
São Carlos Engineering School - University of São Paulo, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, São Carlos, Brazil
*
*Corresponding author. Email: hernan@sc.usp.br
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Abstract

The wavy leading edge (WLE, also known as leading edge protuberances) is a passive flow control device inspired by the humpback whale pectoral flippers. It reduces the flow of three-dimensional effects on wings and increases their aerodynamic performance at high angles of attack. Despite the numerous studies on its aerodynamic benefits, research on its possible applications is still incipient. Therefore, this article addresses an evaluation of the WLE effects on the aerodynamic performance of a winglet. A rectangular wing, a base smooth leading edge winglet, and a winglet with WLE were designed and manufactured for CFD simulations and wind tunnel measurements. The winglet with WLE increased the maximum aerodynamic efficiency, i.e. this configuration reduced the induced drag by increasing wingtip vortex dissipation at a given angle-of-attack. Such results were used in re-evaluations of the aerodynamic performance of an original agricultural aircraft initially configured with a multi-winglet device. The winglet with WLE showed to be effective at increasing the aircraft operational time and range under a simulated actual condition.

Keywords

Wavy leading edgeLeading edge protuberancesWinglet, Induced dragAgricultural aircraft
Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 127 , Issue 1312 , June 2023 , pp. 964 - 981
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Royal Aeronautical Society

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