Experimental Investigation of The Geometric Properties of Different Rotor Blades for Controlling the Wingtip Vortex

This study focuses on using rotor blade turbine winglets for the purpose of controlling the wingtip vortex in airplanes. The aim of the study is to investigate the effective geometric properties of the rotor blades that are used as winglets, as well as experimental evaluation of their effects on drag, lift coefficient and the aerodynamic efficiency ratio of the airplane. Seven different types of rotor blades were chosen in regard of their span length, number of blades, and the shape of the blades and experimented in a wind tunnel. The drag and lift force were directly measured via a ۳-axis external balance. The position and place of installment of the rotor blades were selected through the studies mentioned in the literature and their geometric properties were further investigated. A finite wing with a NACA۶۴۱۴۱۲ cross-sectional airfoil, two similar rotor blades with different span length, two similar rotor blades with different blade count, and three rotor blades with different aerodynamic shapes in terms of installation and twist angle were used as models in this study. All the experiments were conducted at a Reynolds Number of ۱۰۰,۰۰۰ and angles of attack ranging from negative ۴ to positive ۲۰. The results showed the existence of turbine winglets has increased the lift coefficient and results in a reduction in the drag coefficient. Rotor blades with larger span lengths have increased the aerodynamic efficiency, although they have increased the drag coefficient as well. The number of the blades has had different effect in different angles of attack. The results indicate that rotor blades with acceptable aerodynamic properties can increase the value of aerodynamic efficiency almost twice its base value and delay the wing stall up to the  attack angles above ۲۰ degrees.

Keywords:

Wind Tunnel Testing , Winglet , Force Measurement , Tip Vortices , Induced Drag