Jagged wing edges boost aircraft lift in new aerodynamic tests
Researchers found that serrated leading edges on wings significantly improve lift and delay stalling—a finding with implications for drone design and fuel efficiency. The discovery, validated through both computer modeling and physical experiments, could reshape aircraft engineering for applications ranging from autonomous vehicles to commercial aviation.
Originaltitel: Preliminary study of the effects of leading-edge serration on a two-section planar wing in ground-effect at low Reynolds number
<p>A preliminary study has been conducted on the effects of serration on the leading-edge of a two-element trapezoidal wing placed both out-of- and in-ground effect. Aerodynamic performance and flow behaviour were evaluated numerically and validated experimentally. Within the limitations of this preliminary study, results indicate an increase in maximum lift coefficient and stall angle obtained implementing a serrated leading-edge geometry due to the flow being re-energized by the formation of a series of counter-rotating pairs of vortices. A minor improvement is also visible in aerodynamic efficiency at low angles of attack between when serrated leading edges are implemented.Results from the analysis of the wing in ground effect appear less well defined. Both leading-edge geometries – straight and serrated – show an increase in efficiency due to the proximity to the ground. Results show that the addition of the serration has a potential positive effect on the aerodynamic performance of the wing starting at moderate values of angles of attack due to the presence of counter-rotating vortex pairs on the suction side of the wing. Results also indicate that the presence of the serration at the leading-edge has a detrimental effect reducing the strength of the static pressure field underneath the wing, resulting in an overall limited improvement of the aerodynamic performance of the wing.</p>