Experimental investigation of multi-step airfoils in low Reynolds numbers applications

This study provides a detailed analysis of the aerodynamic performance of various airfoil configurations, focusing on lift coefficient, stall characteristics, and maximum lift-to-drag ratio. The investigation includes the NACA23012C profile and configurations with different step geometries, ranging from one-step to five-step designs. Experimental measurements were conducted using a well-equipped aerodynamic laboratory, Institute of Aviation Engineering and Technology (IAET), Giza, Egypt. The lab features a wind tunnel, propeller test rig, and data acquisition system. The experiments were conducted meticulously to ensure accuracy and reproducibility, with a standardized method employed for uncertainty analysis. The results reveal distinct aerodynamic behaviors among the different configurations, highlighting the significant impact of design variations on aerodynamic performance. Notably, the three-step configuration consistently exhibited high performance, with a competitive or superior lift coefficient across a range of Reynolds numbers, showing an improvement of up to 35.1 %. Similarly, the four-step configuration demonstrated substantial increases in lift-to-drag ratios, reaching up to 53.2 %, while the five-step configuration exhibited varying trends with a minimum drag coefficient. The study also investigated stall characteristics and sensitivity to Reynolds numbers, revealing the complex trade-offs inherent in airfoil design. The findings provide valuable insights into optimizing airfoil performance under different operational conditions. Additionally, the adoption of two and three stepped airfoils resulted in significant reductions in blade material and associated costs for turbine blades.