Experimental and numerical study of the aerodynamic drag crisis phenomenon of a symmetrical thick teardrop airfoil with rounded trailing edge

A symmetrical thick teardrop airfoil with rounded trailing edge was investigated in this article. The airfoil is typical for frames, masts and other structural elements. Aerodynamic forces were measured in Reynolds number range from 1·104 to 10·104 and angle of attack range from −10° to +10°. Critical Reynolds number was found for drag crisis phenomenon in zero angle of attack. Hysteresis from angle of attack and reverse of lift was found. It was found that the critical angle of attack became zero at the critical Reynolds number.