An Innovative CFD Methodology for Evaluation of Airfoils Aerodynamic Characteristics

Abstract

The present study aims to define an innovative and reliable CFD methodology for the definition of C81 tables describing aerodynamic properties of airfoils. Nowadays CFD computations are challenging the quality of experimental results, given their increasing reliability for such applications. In the present work Leonardo Helicopters CFD methodology for 2D airfoil simulations was reviewed, updated and validated against litera-ture data available for the SC1095 airfoil at Reynolds number varying from 1?106 and 10?106 (depending on the Mach number). Different turbulence models were tested, including the innovative Generalized k-? (GEKO) model. An improved methodology was selected, which was found to predict with satisfying accuracy the main aerodynamic characteristics of the SC1095 at different Mach numbers and angles of attack. The same methodology was then applied to a series of legacy airfoils, used for several Leonardo Helicopters rotors.