Enhancement of the Aerodynamic Performance of the Airfoil and the Albatross Bird's Wing

The aerodynamic performance of any flying body with a conventional fixed-wing configuration primarily depends on the wing's planform shape. The albatross, recognized as the largest bird capable of sustained flight, possesses a wing shape that is the product of ۴۰ million years of natural evolution and exhibits highly efficient aerodynamic characteristics. Consequently, this bird's wing has become a significant focus in research aimed at optimizing the wing structures of migratory birds for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. Additionally, its long-noted ability to fly and glide by harnessing wind energy, without the need for flapping, has always been remarkable. In this study, the albatross wing cross-section was first examined and validated using a reference article. Subsequently, improvements were made to the albatross wing airfoil, and, based on the charts provided in the reference article, the modeled albatross wing was further scrutinized and validated. All modeling efforts were executed with XFLR۵ software. The results indicate that the enhancements to the airfoil shape and wing modeling led to a ۲۹.۷۸% increase in aerodynamic efficiency at a zero angle of attack, along with an approximately ۷.۷۳% gain in the maximum lift-to-drag ratio. These improvements are notably superior compared to the outcomes presented in the reference article. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how the airfoil shape and wing planform affect the aerodynamic performance of fixed-wing birds during low-speed flight, ultimately aiding in the advancement of aerodynamic efficiency.

Keywords:

Albatross , Fixed-Wing Aircraft , Bird Aerodynamics , Inspiration from Nature