Computational Aerodynamic Investigation of Sweptback Wings With Bio-Inspired Leading-Edge Tubercles

Resumen

Aerodynamic effectiveness plays a significant role in enhancing the performance and stability of aircraft wings, particularly at low Reynolds numbers (Re), were early flow separation limits lift generation. In this study, a computational investigation was conducted using ANSYS FLUENT to examine the aerodynamic effects of bio-inspired leading-edge (LE) tubercles on a sweptback wing with a 35° sweep angle. The NACA 2412 airfoil was selected as the wing profile. The tubercled structure consists of a sinusoidal wave modification along the leading edge of the wing, inspired by the Humpback Whale (Megaptera Novaeangliae) flipper, characterized by an amplitude-to-wavelength ratio (η). Three different configurations were considered in this work: the conventional Baseline 2412 model and two modified models, HUMP 2412 A with η = 0.25 and HUMP 2412 B with η = 0.5. Simulations were performed at an operating Reynolds number (Re) of 1.5×10⁵. The sinusoidal tubercled geometry modifies the local pressure distribution and introduces streamwise counter-rotating vortices along the spanwise direction near the LE. These vortices act as a passive flow-control mechanism by energizing the boundary layer and increasing momentum exchange between the free stream and near-wall region. As a result, the flow remains attached over a longer chordwise distance, effectively delaying stall to higher angles of attack (AoA). The tubercled configurations demonstrate improved lift characteristics and reduced drag in the pre-stall and near-stall regions compared to the Baseline 2412 model. The higher-amplitude case, HUMP 2412 B (η = 0.5), generates stronger vortical structures and exhibits enhanced post-stall performance. Overall, the study confirms that LE tubercles improve aerodynamic efficiency by increasing lift, reducing drag, delaying flow separation, and enhancing the lift-to-drag ratio in sweptback wings operating at low Re. The findings highlight the effectiveness of bio-inspired tubercled structures as a passive aerodynamic performance enhancement technique.