CFD analysis of wing trailing edge vortex generator using serrations

¹ Emirates Aviation College, Aeronautical Engineering Department, 53044, Dubai, UAE
² Emirates Aviation College, Faculty of Aerodynamics, Aeronautical Engineering Department, 53044, Dubai, UAE

^a Corresponding author: hmd1988@gmail.com

Published online: 25 March 2014

Abstract

This study presents computational results of a NACA0012 base wing with the trailing edge modified to incorporate triangular serrations. The effect of the serrations were investigated in three stages, the deflection angle of the serration with respect to the wing chord were examined from -90° to 90° at 10° intervals; the results obtained showed that although larger deflection induces a stronger vorticity magnitude, the strength of the vortex decays faster than compared to smaller deflections. Moreover, the vorticity profile downstream of the wing varies with deflection angle of the serration. Next, the addition of a Clark Y flap to the base wing to analyze the flow pattern and the effect on the flow separation; without serrations attached to the base wing trailing edge, at a high angle of attack, the flow will separate early and would render the flap less effective. The Vortex generator energizes the boundary layer and encourages the flow to remain attached to the flap, allowing for a greater range flap deflection. A wind tunnel experiment was developed and conducted to substantiate the computational analysis in a real world scenario. There was a positive correlation between the results obtained experimentally and computationally.