Numerical Analysis of Winglet Performance: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The aerodynamic performance of various winglet designs has been a major focus of research in the quest to improve aircraft efficiency. The goal of this study is to discover the most effective design for lowering induced drag and increasing lift-to-drag ratio by conducting a thorough investigation of various winglet shapes. Four different winglet types-spiroid, blended, split and raking winglets are the subject of this study. The current research models each type of winglet and does an aerodynamic analysis by utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The principle aim is to conduct a comparative analysis of these winglets' performance with respect to the vortex generation and produced drag at different angles of attack (AOA). A vital component of aircraft performance, generated drag influences fuel consumption, range and environmental impact overall. The methodology involves creating precise 3D models of each winglet and subjecting them to simulated airflow conditions. The simulations generate data on the strength and behaviour of the vortices generated by each winglet, as well as the induced drag forces. This data is then plotted against AOA to visualize the performance trends and identify the optimal winglet design. The results of the simulations are conclusive. The spiroid winglet emerges as the superior design, demonstrating a marked reduction in induced drag and a more favourable lift-to-drag ratio compared to the other winglets tested. This finding is significant as it suggests that the implementation of spiroid winglets could lead to more efficient aircraft designs with lower operational costs and reduced environmental impact. To sum up, the present study not only determines that the spiroid winglet is the best design out of all the designs that were studied, but it also demonstrates how useful CFD are for aerodynamic analysis in the aviation sector.