Low Reynolds Number(104–105) Aerodynamics of the Thin Airfoil

This study investigates the aerodynamic characteristics and performance advantages of the thin airfoil S002 at low Reynolds number using ANSYS Fluent. To compare aerodynamic performance and explore the underlying mechanisms, a series of modified airfoils were developed based on the camber line of S002 by applying different thickness distribution functions and varying thickness levels. The thickness functions include the conventional NACA profile, as well as bio-inspired distributions derived from seagull and long-eared owl wings. For each distribution, relative thicknesses of 1%, 5%, and 10% were applied, resulting in a total of ten airfoil configurations, including the original S002.The aerodynamic performance of these airfoils was evaluated and compared under two conditions: at a fixed Reynolds number of 105, and across varying Reynolds numbers at a fixed angle of attack. The results indicate that thinner airfoils exhibit significant aerodynamic advantages in low Reynolds number regimes, and these advantages become increasingly pronounced as the Reynolds number decreases. This behavior is attributed to the formation of favorable vortex structures, similar to those observed in KFM airfoils, which enhance lift generation and delay flow separation.