NUMERICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF THE AERODYNAMICS OF AN UNCONVENTIONAL W-LEADING EDGE REVERSED DELTA WING IN GROUND EFFECT

摘要

The ground-effect analysis of a W-shaped leading edge, reversed delta planform wing, were carried out by numerical and experimental methods. Results show an increase of the lift and hence lift-to-drag ratio with decreasing ground clearence. Lift-to-drag ratios of 30 are observed for h/b=0.09, which double the values of those for the ground-free case. No major difference in the drag coefficients is noted as the ground is approached. Near-wake plots revealed vortical flow features emanating from the wing which increase in strength in the presence of the ground. Flow separation is more pronounced with decreasing ground clearance. Outward tip vortex movements are also observed with the decreasing ground height, demonstrating an increasing the effective wing aspect ratio.