Aerodynamic Performance of an NLF Airfoil with Simulated Ice
D.G. Jackson and M.B. Bragg
University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801
ABSTRACT
This investigation studied the aerodynamic performance of an
NLF(1)-0414F natural laminar flow airfoil with flap deflection and ice
accretions. Four models, each incorporating a different ice protection
system, were tested in the NASA Lewis Icing Research Tunnel to acquire
inter-cycle ice shapes for each ice protection system and a failure mode
ice shape. Two-dimensional simulations of the failure-mode and
inter-cycle ice accretions were created using stereo lithography and
tested in the University of Illinois wind tunnel to acquire
Cl,
Cd,
Cm, and
Ch
data. Three spanwise cross-sections of the failure-mode ice shape as well
as a LEWICE prediction were tested to evaluate the effect of variations in
the ice shape along the span of the model. Significant differences were
found in the aerodynamic performance. Boundary-layer measurements were
made through the use of a boundary-layer mouse and the boundary-layer
thickness correlated well to the drag values. Lower surface ice roughness
aft of the main accretion was modeled and found to have little measurable
aerodynamic effect. All ice accretions tested degraded the aerodynamic
performance, but the intercycle ice simulations saw larger
Cl,max
degradation, compared to the accompanying drag rise, than did the
failure-mode ice shapes.