Computational fluid dynamics analysis of lift on the Teardrop 2.0 for different angles of attack
Abstract
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. This effect reduces flow past the trailing edge of the wing, causing lift to decrease. The resulting lift coefficient curve is found to be consistent with experimentally determined lift coefficient curves for flat plate wings.
