Low Reynolds Number Aerodynamics of Low-Aspect-Ratio, Thin/Flat/Cambered-Plate Wings

TLDR

Understanding low‑aspect‑ratio wing aerodynamics is essential for micro aerial vehicle design, and trailing‑edge geometry and wind‑tunnel turbulence have little impact on lift and drag at low Reynolds numbers. The study measured lift, drag, and pitching moment on thin flat and cambered plates at chord Reynolds numbers between 60,000 and 200,000. Results show that cambered plates offer better aerodynamic characteristics and performance, with no hysteresis observed, unlike thick airfoils.

Abstract

The design of micro aerial vehicles requires a better understanding of the aerodynamics of small low-aspect-ratio wings. An experimental investigation has focused on measuring the lift, drag, and pitching moment about the quarter chord on a series of thin flat plates and cambered plates at chord Reynolds numbers varying between 60,000 and 200,000. Results show that the cambered plates offer better aerodynamic characteristics and performance. It also appears that the trailing-edge geometry of the wings and the turbulence intensity in the wind tunnel do not have a strong effect on the lift and drag for thin wings at low Reynolds numbers. Moreover, the results did not show the presence of any hysteresis, which is usually observed with thick airfoils/wings