Numerical Investigation on the Effect of Propeller Slipstream on the Performance of Wing at Low Reynolds Numbers

The flow over a flat plate airfoil with 5-to-1 elliptical leading and trailing edge at Re = 80,000 and for different angles of attack (0°–15°) is numerically investigated by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. The \(k-\omega\) shear stress transport equation, \(\gamma -{Re}_{\theta }\) turbulent transition model is used to address the effect of laminar-turbulent transition. The present computed aerodynamic forces are compared with the available experimental data for validation. Large flow separation and a single recirculation zone is found at higher angles of attack. The study is extended to investigate the laminar separation bubble effect on a three-dimensional Zimmerman wing planform for Re = 50,000; 100,000 and 150,000 at different angles of attack. The present results agree well with the available experimental and computational data. The influence of propeller on the aerodynamic performance of a Zimmerman wing planform is investigated. The results show that the wing with propeller configuration has lower \({C}_{D}\) values compared to wing alone case. The results presented in this paper show the importance of modelling the propeller slipstream effects on the aerodynamic characteristics of low aspect ratio wing.