Work

Analysis of the Impact of Typical Sand and Dust Weather in Southern Xinjiang on the Aerodynamic Performance of Aircraft Airfoils

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: As aviation operations extend into complex natural environments, dust particles present significant challenges to flight stability and safety, particularly in dust-prone regions like southern Xinjiang. This study employs high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, combined with the SST turbulence model and the Lagrangian discrete phase model, to analyze the aerodynamic response of the NACA 0012 airfoil at varying wind speeds (5, 15, and 30 m/s) and angles of attack (3°, 8°, and 12°). The results indicate that, at low speeds and moderate to high angles of attack, dust particles reduce lift by over 70%, primarily due to boundary layer instability, weakened suction-side pressure, and premature flow separation. Higher wind speeds slightly delay flow separation, but cannot counteract the disturbances caused by the particles. At higher angles of attack, drag increases by more than 60%, driven by wake expansion, shear dissipation, and delayed pressure recovery. Pitching moment frequently reverses from negative to positive, reflecting a forward shift in the aerodynamic center and a loss of pitching stability. An increase in dust concentration amplifies these effects, leading to earlier moment reversal and more abrupt stall behavior. These findings underscore the urgent need to improve aircraft design, control, and safety strategies for operations in dusty environments.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app152010917

Authors: Mingzhao Li, Afang Jin, Yushang Hu, Huijie Li

Institution: Xinjiang University

Language: English

Topic: Particle Dynamics in Fluid Flows

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China