Computational fluid dynamics analysis of lift on the Teardrop 2.0 for different angles of attack

The Teardrop 2.0 is a towed, wing shaped device used for the underwater surveying of shallow coral reefs. We use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to examine the lift forces acting on a model of the Teardrop 2.0 and determine its lift coefficient for different angles of attack. In this study, a full scale computer generated reconstruction of the Teardrop 2.0 is subjected to fluid tunnel simulations using CFD software. It is found that lift is greatest at an attack angle of around 25°. At greater angles of attack, large regions of recirculation form behind the wing.