Computational Approach to Wingtip Jets Effect on Flow Entrainment and Aerodynamics

This work presents computation analysis of the dynamics of a wing with blowing jets at the wingtip. Specifically, the project uses a NACA 0012 wing model, with internal flow chambers and blowing jet slits at the wingtip. With this wing setup, the project was a sensitivity investigation to the impact of different Computational Fluid Dynamic setup conditions and meshes across a range of different freestream velocities and jet pressures. This computational study complements an experimental investigation of the same NACA 0012 with wingtip jets. A comparison of the experimental and computational results are discussed, with a focus on the similarities and differences. The study found the impact of blowing jets, either from the top or bottom jet, had positive effects to coefficient of lift by artificially extending out the wings aspect ratio, and interrupting the formation of wingtip vortices. It was also observed that the inclusion of jets has a more significant impact at lower freestream velocities, where the difference between jet pressure and freestream velocity is larger. Lastly, these results can be correlated back to the experimental data, giving credence to the benefits of wingtip jets. The results will discuss these findings in more detail, assessing the impact of freestream velocity, jet velocity, solver, turbulence model, mesh, and whether the top, bottom, or no jet was active.