CFD analysis of the sideslip angle effect around a BWB type configuration

Abstract

In this study, we conducted numerical simulations for a nonslender BWB type planform with a rounded leading edge and span of 2.0 m to analyze the effect of the sideslip angle on the planform at a freestream velocity of 60 m/s. The Reynolds number based on the mean chord length was 2 9 × 106, and we considered the angle of attack ranging from -4° to 16° and sideslip angles up to 20°. We used an unstructured mesh with a prism layer for the boundary layer with 1 11 × 107 grid points, and the k − ω SST turbulence model. We analyzed force and moment coefficients with respect to variation of angle of attack and sideslip angles. Side force and rolling/yawing moment coefficients had highly nonlinear relationships with the sideslip angle while lift and drag coefficients were not significantly affected. We interpreted the mechanism of these aerodynamic characteristics based on pressure and skin friction contours. Suction pressure near the leading edge had a marked effect on the pitching and rolling moment. We identified five flow types on the blunt leading edge swept wing by skin friction lines and off-body streamlines at a high angle of attack and sideslip angles.