Studying optimization design of low Reynolds number airfoil using transition model

Based on the research of the micro air vehicle (MAV), the aerodynamic performances and optimization design of the low Reynolds number airfoil were numerically simulated and studied. To verify the accuracy and reliability respectively of the SA, SST k-ω turbulence model, low Reynolds corrected SST k-ω model and k-k_L-ω transition model, finite volume method was used to solve the 2D Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for the numerical simulations of the fluid flow around NACA0012 in representative Reynolds numbers. Then the low Reynolds number flow characteristics of the fluid structures and flow mechanism around NACA0012 were studied. And at last an optimization mind for the low Reynolds number airfoil design was proposed, tested by a multi-objective optimization case of SD7037.The optimization results showed that 58.23% increment of lift to drag ratio, 26.8% increment of laminar flow area at α=0°, 0.15c forward movement of transition position and the reattachment downstream can be achieved; this can verify the reliability and feasibility of the optimization mind.