Use of Navier-Stokes Analysis in Section Design

The Navier-Stokes analysis method and a design technique based on conformal mapping are combined to develop new 2-D thick sections. The Eppler- Somers design technique allows for fast design of arbitrary section shape. The well-validated David Taylor Navier-Stokes code is used to optimise the thickness of the section. From previous experimental results, the turbulence characteristics in the near-wake region correlate with the pressure spectra on the trailing edge of a 2-D lifting surface. Therefore, the turbulent kinetic energy, and the Reynolds shear stress are used as design parameters to develop new 2-D sections. Minimizing these parameters is assumed to provide desirable boundary layer and wake characteristics. The characteristics of one new section are compared with those of a baseline section to demonstrate the new foil design method.