FURI | Spring 2019

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Leading Edge Roughness Devices

Sustainability icon, disabled. A green leaf.

The objective for this research was to model the effects of a wing with leading-edge roughness device’s on coefficient of lift and drag when at high angles of attack near stall, the addition of which potentially increases the stall angle and reduces stall speed. This research was conducted using Computational Fluid Dynamics, modeling an airfoil with teardrop shaped pimples on the leading-edge to determine the feasibility of the devices for use on aircraft. The impact of this research could potentially increase an aircraft’s lift capability and the overall efficiency of the aircraft.

 

Student researcher

Portrait of Spencer Little

Spencer Little

Aerospace engineering

Hometown: Claremont, California

Graduation date: Spring 2019