Numerical investigation of gurney flap application on the naca 0012 airfoil at low reynolds numbers using different turbulence models

In this thesis, the aerodynamic performance of the NACA 0012 symmetric airfoil with the addition of a Gurney flap was investigated under low-speed flow conditions using numerical analysis methods. The study evaluated two different configurations: one plain (flapless) and the other equipped with a Gurney flap. Five different turbulence models were employed for both configurations, including Spalart-Allmaras, standard k-ε, realizable k-ε, k-ω SST, and Transition SST. Various mesh structures were tested for each model, and the most suitable grid was selected based on mesh independence studies. The results obtained for the plain airfoil were compared with the experimental and numerical data presented by Zhou et al., showing the best agreement with the k-ω SST model. For the configuration with the Gurney flap, the highest consistency was observed between the results and those from the study of Yachen Li, particularly when using the Transition SST model. Using the selected turbulence models, numerical analyses were carried out under different flow conditions representing low velocity and temperature levels, considering various angles of attack. The lift force, drag force, and overall aerodynamic efficiency were evaluated. The results revealed that the Gurney flap enhances lift and aerodynamic efficiency at low Reynolds numbers, while the choice of turbulence model plays a critical role in the accuracy of the numerical outcomes.