CFD Analysis of NACA Airfoils for Wind Turbine and Aerospace Applications at Low Reynolds Numbers

Abstract This study investigates the aerodynamic performance of various NACA airfoils (0012, 0015, 0018, and 0020) at low Reynolds numbers to assess their suitability for wind turbine and aerospace applications. Utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations with the SST k-ω turbulence model, we analyzed lift, drag, and lift-to-drag ratios (Cl/Cd) across different angles of attack and Reynolds numbers ranging from 3× 105 to 1× 106. The results indicate that the NACA 0012 airfoil exhibits the highest aerodynamic efficiency, making it ideal for applications prioritizing lift, such as aircraft wings and horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs). The NACA 0015 and NACA 0018 airfoils provide a balanced trade-off between aerodynamic performance and structural strength, making them suitable for medium to large HAWTs respectively. While the NACA 0020 airfoil is less aerodynamically efficient, it offers substantial structural integrity, making it well-suited for vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) and high-lift applications. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of CFD simulations in capturing critical aerodynamic phenomena at low Reynolds numbers, with results aligning closely with experimental data. These findings highlight the importance of airfoil selection in optimizing energy conversion efficiency and structural robustness in renewable energy and aerospace systems. Future research should focus on advanced surface modifications and control devices to further enhance aerodynamic performance, contributing to the development of sustainable energy technologies.