Computational Study on Wingtip Vertical Fluid Injection For Induced Drag Reduction

Abstract

The present study examines the numerical analysis of the effects of wingtip vertical fluid injection on the performance of a 3D wing. A wing configuration was chosen as a baseline configuration and a slot was created at the wingtip to inject the fluid vertically. The investigation was performed at various incidence angles along with a range of fluid injection speeds. The reduction in wingtip vortices, due to the presence of the vertical fluid injection at the wingtip, was observed. In turn, an improvement in pressure distribution around the wingtip was apparent. With an increase in injection velocity, the drag values were seen to decrease. However, for all injection flowrates, the lift-to-drag ratio increases. This alternate control method can be used to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the wing by reducing the induced drag. © 2021, Avestia Publishing. All rights reserved.