We numerically examine the use of Gurney flap to modify the two-dimensional wake dynamics for lift enhancement on NACA 0000 (flat plate), 0006, 0012 and 0018 airfoils. Incompressible flows over the airfoils at different angles of attack are considered at Re = 1000. It is observed that the attachment of the Gurney flap at the trailing edge is able to enhance the lift force experienced by the airfoil appreciably with increase in Gurney flap height. The lift-to-drag ratio of the airfoils is also observed to increase at lower angles of attack. The lift spectra and airfoil wake are examined to reveal the effect of the Gurney flap on the formation of different characteristic wake modes and the associated change in the aerodynamic forces exerted on the airfoils. Based on the observations, we classify the resulting wakes into four distinct modes. The emergence of these modes (steady, 2S, P and 2P) are mapped over a wide range of angles of attack and Gurney flap heights for all four airfoils in consideration.
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