A Computational Study for the Application of Dimpled Vortex Generators (DVGs) for Enhanced Performance of Aerodynamic Surfaces
摘要
This study aims to investigate the possible application of Dimpled Vortex Generators (DVGs) on aerodynamic surfaces. The study was carried out under the VPP Sports Project (National Research Program: Sports), supported by the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science, with the goal of improving sports technology in the field of aerodynamics. Golf ball is a classic example of surface roughness leading to aerodynamic improvement due to delayed boundary layer separation. Inspired by the dimpled surface of a golf ball, in this study, the investigation takes on the approach of finding an optimized dimple design based on shape (semi-spherical, square, and triangular), size, and placement along the chord of a small wing segment. The aerodynamic performance of each DVG configuration was compared using CFD against the smooth baseline wing section (without DVGs). The results showed a significant improvement in the drag coefficient with a drop of up to 27% and a 36% increment in the lift-to-drag ratio in the semi-spherical DVG configuration. Contrarily, square and triangular DVGs demonstrated lower aerodynamic enhancement compared to semi-spherical ones.