A Computational and Experimental Performance Comparison for a Low-Reynolds Number Airfoil

Leonard P. Metkowski, Christopher J. Axten, Mark D. Maughmer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Significant industry interest in low-Reynolds number aerodynamics has made the assessment and comparison of computational methods with wind-tunnel experiments more compelling. Classical computational methods including XFOIL, MSES, and the Eppler program are compared along with OVERFLOW to newly published experimental data of a low Reynolds number airfoil, the PSU 94-097. At very low Reynolds numbers, all computational methods un-derpredict drag at lift coefficients occurring at the center part of the bucket. This general trend is likely due to difficulty in modeling laminar separation bubbles at low Reynolds numbers. At higher Reynolds numbers, the profile drag coefficient values are in great agreement. Predicted maximum lift coefficient, Cl,max, is overestimated by 0.3 for OVERFLOW and around 0.2 for XFOIL (version 6.94).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA SciTech Forum 2022
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624106316
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
EventAIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, AIAA SciTech Forum 2022 - San Diego, United States
Duration: Jan 3 2022Jan 7 2022

Publication series

NameAIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, AIAA SciTech Forum 2022

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, AIAA SciTech Forum 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period1/3/221/7/22

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering

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