Laminar wake suppression of airfoil by rotating rod at low Reynolds number

The aerodynamic performance of an SD7003 airfoil with active control of the rotating rod through momentum injection into the boundary layer of the suction side is numerically explored at a low Reynolds number of 5000. Striking aerodynamic improvement is observed for a proper parameter combination of rod location and rotational speed. Pressure drop and recovery at the upstream and downstream sides of the rotating rod, respectively, is found to be the primary mechanism for the lift enhancement and drag reduction.