Investigating the Impact of Tubercle Modifications on the Performance of the NACA 643-221 Airfoil

Abstract The distinctive tubercles on the leading edge of humpback whale flippers have potential applications in the design of aviation wings. These knobby structures are hypothesized to enhance aerodynamic performance, particularly in low-speed, high-lift conditions, by reducing drag and increasing lift. This study investigates the feasibility of incorporating whale-inspired tubercles into aircraft wing designs to improve flight performance. Through a combination of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and wind tunnel experiments, the aerodynamic properties of tubercle-equipped wings are compared to those of conventional smooth-wing designs. The findings demonstrate that tubercles contribute to more stable airflow, delay flow separation, and increase lift-to-drag (L/D) ratios. These improvements have significant implications for enhancing aircraft performance and fuel efficiency, particularly during critical phases such as takeoff and landing, potentially leading to the development of more efficient and environmentally sustainable aviation technologies.