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CFD solution method.
(14711851), (21144450), (21144453) and 1 other
Figshare17 Apr 2025Open access
CFD solution method.
(14711851), (21144450), (21144453) and 1 other · Figshare · 2025
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Abstract
This research focuses on optimizing the design of dimples on a Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) airframe to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. Dimples serve as a passive flow control method intended to improve aerodynamic properties. Employing the Design of Experiments (DOE) framework and utilizing the Taguchi method, we examined five dimple design variables across three distinct levels. These variables included dimple placement, indentation depth, diameter, spacing between dimples, and the number of dimple rows on the BWB wing. An L 18 orthogonal array (OA) was implemented to assess the impact of these variables on the drag coefficient ( C D ), lift coefficient ( C L ), and lift-to-drag ratio ( L/D ), which were used as performance metrics. High-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted for each of the eighteen configurations outlined by the L 18 OA, across angles of attack ranging from 0° to 8°. Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) analysis and Pareto Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that the dimple diameter had the most significant impact on both C D and L/D , contributing 35.19% and 40%, respectively, while the indentation depth showed the least influence. The study identified an optimal combination of design variables (A 1 B 1 C 1 D 3 E 3 ), which minimizes C D and maximizes L/D . This work provides actionable guidelines for dimple design as a passive flow control method in aerospace applications.