Assessment of the Wave-Shaped Surface of Wingsuit on Aerodynamic Performance

The performance of an athlete in the wingsuit industry relies on several factors. One crucial factor is the aerodynamics of the geometric shape, which can be improved by modifying the shape. The aerodynamic efficiency of a wingsuit is determined by its surface shape. This research aimed to examine how the ridges on the wingsuit surface affect its performance under angles of attack (AoA) and side angles (β). Tests were conducted at Reynolds numbers ranging from 10⁶ to 10⁷. A wingsuit model with seven ridges (WON7A14) showed enhanced flight performance during force balance tests at AoAs stabilizing between 10° and 25°. Numerical simulations of the optimal model revealed the growth of spiral vortices from the wing's trailing edge toward the backpack. Furthermore, increasing the number of ridges on the wing surface improved flight performance at higher AoAs. Tuft visualization technique and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to compare and optimize flight performance in different conditions to minimize drag coefficient.