Aerodynamics of a single element wing in ground effect

Zerihan, J. and Zhang, X. (2000) Aerodynamics of a single element wing in ground effect. Journal of Aircraft, 37 (6), 1058-1064.

Record type: Article

Abstract

An investigation was conducted on the performance characteristics and flowfield phenomena of a wing in ground effect. Model tests were performed in low-speed wind tunnels equipped with moving ground. A highly cambered single element wing, with the suction surface nearest to the ground, was used to investigate the effect of changing both the ride height from the ground and the incidence. Data obtained in model tests included force balance measurements, surface pressure results, and surface oil flow visualization. Results are compared with the freestream case. As the ride height is reduced, higher levels of downforce were recorded; at clearances between the suction surface and the ground of less than 20% chord, the downforce is significantly higher. Closer to the ground, at a ride height of less than 10% chord, downforce drops as the wing stalls. This force reduction phenomenon is shown to be due to trailing-edge separation of the boundary layer.

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