Study of flow pattern on a hydrofoil with structural and profile modification

Abstract

The hydrofoil is one of the typical factors that affect the vortex structure and flow characteristics of hydraulic machinery. In order to enhance the utilization efficiency of hydraulic machinery in marine energy, parallel grooves are proposed and applied to the hydrofoil. Following that, a numerical analysis is performed using the SST k- turbulence model, and the effects of hydrofoil profile, angle of attack, and flow are investigated. The profiles of NACA 0066, NACA 8412, NACA M2, and RAE 104 are considered for the study. The performance is analyzed based on the lift to drag ratio. The best model from this is given with surface modification and the flow study is carried out at different angles of attack. The modified profile of NACA 8412 with parallel groves has shown the highest lift to drag ratio at a 12-degree angle of attack.