Contents

Idea ..................................................................................................................................... 2

Problem ............................................................................................................................... 2

NACA2412 geometry characteristics ................................................................................ 3

Methodology....................................................................................................................... 4

4.1

Pre-processing ............................................................................................................. 4

4.2

Mesh generation .......................................................................................................... 5

4.3

Simulation ................................................................................................................... 6

4.4

Post processing ............................................................................................................ 7

4.5

Data analysis ............................................................................................................... 9

Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 11

1 Idea
In this chapter, it analyzes the airflow around a 3D wing. Wing is a streamlined body,
so the airflow around a wing is very different to an airflow around a common general object.
The behavior around the external surfaces changes substantially. So creation of the mesh is
different and these methods will help to generate meshes for any wing.

2 Problem
The NACA 2412 is chosen, flying at a speed of V=340ms-1 at sea level. The operating
medium is taken as air. As the medium is air the Reynolds number is,
Dynamic viscosity = 1.7894x10-5
Ct = 0.56m
Cr = 1m
=

For a finite wing chord length should be taken as mean aerodynamic chord length.
C=

2 1 + + 2

3
1+

Where,

=
1

= 0.56 = 1.7857
=

2
1 + 1.7857 + 1.78572
0.56
3
1 + 1.7857
= 0.8007

1.2253400.8007
1.7894105

=1.864 107

NACA2412 airfoil is chosen because it is a basic aero foil which is been used for
many aerodynamic analysis and experiments. So there were lot of experimental data available
for this airfoil both wind tunnel and mathematical. As applications of this airfoil, it is been
used as a rear spoiler for modern day race cars. Further it was using for lot of early aircraft
main wing.

3 NACA2412 geometry characteristics

Figure 3-1NACA 2412 AIR FOIL

Details,
Maximum thickness 12% at 30% chord
Max camber 2% at 40% chord
(Airfoil tools, 2015)

4 Methodology
4.1 Pre-processing
First we modeled the NACA 2412 airfoil from the coordinates we obtained from the uiuc
coordinates database. After saving it as a txt file type, it is being imported to excel since it
consist of two coordinates, we had to include Z coordinates too(0 for Z coordinates). Then
again it was saved as a txt file. After that importing NACA 2412 coordinates For the creation
of the tapered wing model, we used solid work software. Initially we need to take a new page
in solid works. We used, Feature curvescurve through XYZ points and select the txt file
and it will create the 2D model of the airfoil. Since its not enclosed. To close that first we went
through close entities and we used tangent curve to close under sketch. After exiting from
sketch, using reference geometry we should make a parallel plane to the front plane using
reference geometry plane and distance set as 2.3 m. after that using convert entities we have
to select the made geometry and went to scale entities and set as 0.56 of the size of the created
geometry. after creating it, exit from the sketch and used the lofted feature and selected the two
planes and created the tapered wing. To import it to the GAMBIT we saved it as STEP file
type.

Wing designed from Solid Works

Figure 4-1solid model of 3d wing

4.2 Mesh generation

For the mesh generation we used the Gambit software. First we imported the .step file
to Gambit. Then we drew a box covering the wing which is our boundary to simulate. Then we
choose the boundary conditions for the simulation and we started meshing.

Figure 4-2 mesh genarated from GAMBIT

Mesh generated from gambit

It took about one hour to create the mesh with 0.01 spacing. It was exported as an .msh
file.

4.3 Simulation
To simulate we used the software Ansys Fluent. First we imported the .msh file to the
fluent. Then we check the scale of the mesh. We selected the viscous model as Spalart
Allmaras and Spalart- Allmaras options as Strain/Vorticity based production.
Then we changed the fluid material to air. We checked for the properties of the fluid
and we changed it.
Then we went for the boundary conditions where we gave the exact values for the
inlet velocity, temperature and pressure. We selected the wing as wall. Outlet as pressure outlet
and the other faces of the box we created for the boundary as symmetry.
Then we set the Monitors. In Monitors there is option called Residual Monitors. In
Residual Monitors we changed the Convergence Criterion as none and in option we selected
both print and plot.
In Monitors there is another option called Force Monitors. We have to set the Force
Monitors. We have to select print, plot and write in options and set different Monitors for the
Cm, Cd and Cl. Then we can see the change of each parameter with the number of iterations. It
is being written in a text file in the selected folder when running the simulation
Next we should change the velocity in the Reference Values. Finally, before we start
the simulation we should initialize mesh. To initialize we should go to Solution Initialization
in solve. In that window we should select the inlet from the drop down menu Compute From
and initialize.
Finally, we started the simulation. To start the simulation, we should go to Solve and
select iterate. In iterate we selected 1000 iteration and started iteration. It went about 4hrs to
finish the simulation.

4.4 Post processing

These are the results that we got from the simulation.

Contours of static pressure

Velocity vector colored by velocity magnitude

Figure 4-3velocityVelocity
vector colored
vector by static pressure

Turbulent velocity

4.5 Data analysis

When the simulation is finalized we can see that the every graph Cl, Cd, Cm vs.

Drag convergence

iterations the value has come to constant value (values get converged).
Figure 4-4drag convergence

Lift convergence

Moment convergence

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5 Conclusion
As we know CFD is used to observe the flow patterns over a body. This can be used in
the areas of aeronautical, mechanical, civil, marine, astronautic and bio-medical engineering
purposes.
There are many software which can be used to simulations. In this project we are using
FLUENT as the simulating software. We use GAMBIT as the meshing software.
After completing the simulations I compared results with the NACA airfoil data sheets.
But it didnt coincided with the results. That is because the meshing process was not accurate.
Solid model shape was changed after the simulation. Flow separation was not seen with the
increase of the angle of attack

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