Aerodynamic characteristics of wing of WIG catamaran vehicle during ground effect

Abstract

In this paper, the aerodynamic characteristics of wing with NACA 6409 section from WIG Catamaran vehicles with the influence of twin hull and ground effect was numerically studied. The simulation of WIG Catamaran was performed by Three Dimensional (3D) Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD). The k-? SST turbulent model was used for turbulent flow in CFD mode. In order to validate the numerical results, the CFD simulations of only wing with NACA 6409 section were compared with experimental data published by previous researcher. Next, Lift coefficient and, drag coefficient and lift to drag ratio of wing with twin hulls of WIG catamaran were determined on various of angle of attacks and two ground clearances (h/c=0.3 and infinity). The results of the CFD simulation indicate a reduction on lift and drag coefficients but there is an increment lift to drag ratio of wing which is caused by twin hulls of WIG Catamaran, as well as there are enhancement on lift coefficient and decreasing on drag coefficient, hence lift to drag ratio increases when flying in proximity to the ground.