Bio-inspired optimization of leading edge slat


Purpose
The high lift devices are effective at high angle of attack to increase the coefficient of lift by increasing the camber. But it affects the low angle of attack aerodynamic performance by increasing the drag. Hence, they have made as a movable device to deploy only at high angles of attack, which increases the design and installation complexities. This study aims to focus on the comparison of aerodynamic efficiency of different conventional leading edge (LE) slat configurations with simple fixed bioinspired slat design.


Design/methodology/approach
This research analyzes the effect of LE slat on aerodynamic performance of CLARK Y airfoil at low and high angles of attack. Different geometrical parameters such as slat chord, cutoff, gap, width and depth of LE slat have been considered for the analysis.


Findings
It has been found that the LE slat configuration with slat chord 30% of airfoil chord, forward extension 8% of chord, dip 3% of chord and gap 0.75% of chord gives higher aerodynamic efficiency (Cl/Cd) than other LE slat configurations, but it affects the low angles of attack aerodynamic performance with the deployed condition. Hence, this optimum slat configuration is further modified by closing the gap between LE slat and the main airfoil, which is inspired by the marine mammal’s nose. Thus increases the coefficient of lift at high angles of attack due to better acceleration over the airfoil nose and as well enhances the aerodynamic efficiency at low angles of attack.


Research limitations/implications
The two-dimensional computational analysis has been done for different LE slat’s geometrical parameters at low subsonic speed.


Practical implications
This bio-inspired nose design improves aerodynamic performance and increases the structural strength of aircraft wing compared to the conventional LE slat. This fixed design avoids the complex design and installation difficulties of conventional movable slats.


Social implications
The findings will have significant impact on the fields of aircraft wing and wind turbine designs, which reduces the design and manufacturing complexities.


Originality/value
Different conventional slat configurations have been analyzed and compared with a simple fixed bioinspired slat nose design at low subsonic speed.
