Characterization of Lift and Drag on Two Dimensional Airfoils with and without Sinusoidal Leading Edges

Author

Gregorio I. Acosta, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

8-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Isaac Choutapalli

Second Advisor

Dr. Horacio Vasquez

Third Advisor

Dr. Robert Freeman

Abstract

An experimental investigation was taken on a 63-021 NACA airfoil, to characterize lift and drag and how the effects of sinusoidal leading edges affect the aerodynamic properties. A theoretical model is also purposed by implementing a perturbation on thin-airfoil theory.

Two sets of airfoils were machined and tested inside a low-speed open circuit wind tunnel. Data from a pressure scanner and particle image velocity will give an insight of how the modified leading edges affect the aerodynamic properties. A Fourier series expansion was used to solve for the lifting-line model, by use of thin-airfoil theory and complex number theory.

Comments

Copyright 2017 Gregorio Acosta. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/characterization-lift-drag-on-two-dimensional/docview/1964913923/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Acosta, Gregorio I., "Characterization of Lift and Drag on Two Dimensional Airfoils with and without Sinusoidal Leading Edges" (2017). Theses and Dissertations. 104.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/104