Aerodynamic efficiency optimization of Clark Y aerofoil using SU2 application

Abstract

In this paper, the aerodynamic efficiency optimizations of the Clark Y aerofoil by using the SU2 software suite are performed. We used a low-speed inviscid flow with the Mach number of approximately 0.0441 (15 m/s) for the optimization. To determine whether we found completely optimized aerofoils, we had to analyse the optimized aerofoils at surrounding angles of attack after the optimization. Moreover, we extended the analysis to obtain information whether the aerofoils can also be effectively used at higher velocities (up to 30 m/s). We executed and analysed five optimizations with the different number of design variables: 8, 18, 38, 78, and 158. Firstly, the aerodynamics of aerofoil is briefly described and the most important parameters are explained. In the following section, the SU2 software used for the optimizations is outlined and the optimization method is introduced. Finally, the results of the efficiency optimizations are presented, compared, and analysed.