The research project envisaged the use of
rapid prototyping methods [4] to create geometric
models for wind tunnel testing. The CAD airfoil
geometry models were prepared given the method
of mounting the airfoils in the wind tunnel workspace.
The airfoils were designed using Catia v5
software, which is owned by the Department of
Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Aviation
Propulsion Systems. The process of designing
was verified by 3D printing and simulation
studies based on this geometry. The modelling
and printing processes proved that some modifications
are necessary to mount airfoils in the
wind tunnel, and consequently, a new method of
mounting based on two airfoil boundary surfaces
was designed. These surfaces have two functions:
airfoils are still mounted and the turbulence at the
airfoil surface in the proximal part of the trailing
edge is reduced. The lack of these surfaces, as it
was demonstrated during the initial transient flow
simulation, results in the turbulent flow on the airfoil
surface, which affects the lift and drag forces.
The design of airfoils focused on determining
different shapes of these airfoils. Ultimately, the
following types of airfoils were selected for the
examination, given their variety and popularity