Investigating the pressure distribution of an airfoil with a cylindrical body

Abstract

The interaction between airfoils and cylindrical obstacles has attracted significant research due to its relevance for aerodynamic performance and flow control. However, the influence of surface roughness on pressure distribution remains insufficiently explored, representing a notable research gap. This study investigates the effect of cylinder roughness on the pressure distribution of an adjacent airfoil using an experimental airfoil-cylinder model. Roughness was introduced by wrapping sandpaper around a cylinder positioned at multiple distances from the airfoil. Experiments were conducted in a subsonic wind tunnel with a sizable test section, and measurements were taken at two different flow velocities. Pressure coefficient distributions on the upper and lower surfaces of the airfoil were analyzed and compared across all configurations. The results indicate that the presence of cylinder roughness reduces pressure coefficients, with effects diminishing as the cylinder is placed further from the airfoil. These findings demonstrate that both cylinder roughness and its proximity influence aerodynamic interactions, offering insights into flow control strategies and design optimization. The study provides a foundation for further investigations into the manipulation of surface features to enhance aerodynamic performance in engineering applications.

Keywords: Aerodynamic interaction; airfoil-cylinder model; flow control; pressure distribution; surface roughness