The Current Progress of Studies on How Camber Variation Affects the Aerodynamic Performance of NACA Airfoils

Camber is an important factor affecting the aerodynamic performance of NACA airfoils. This paper reviews previous studies on the effects of camber variations on lift, drag, lift-to-drag ratio, pitching moment, and stall characteristics. Using the thin airfoil theory, the basic relationship between camber parameters and aerodynamic performance is introduced. Based on experimental and numerical studies, the effects of different camber magnitudes, camber positions, and camber distributions on the aerodynamic characteristics of NACA airfoils are explored. Some studies indicate that increasing positive camber at the same angle of attack can increase lift and shift the zero-lift angle of attack to negative values. However, greater camber does not always result in better aerodynamic performance. Under the certain conditions, it may also increase adverse pressure gradients, drag, pitching moment, and the risk of flow separation. The paper also discusses the prospects of variable camber airfoils for adapting aerodynamic performance to different flight conditions.