Research on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of Leading Edge and Bulge of Ram-Air Parafoil Based on CFD

This study focuses on the aerodynamic characteristics and flow mechanism of three different configurations of ram-air parafoil with open/closed air inlet and bulges. Firstly, we designed a special parafoil configuration for this study. Then we used numerical simulation to obtain the aerodynamic data of three parafoils at different angles of attack, and studied the influence of the bulge and the leading edge open/closed inlet on the aerodynamic performance of the ram-air parafoil. Finally, we study the flow mechanism of the ram-air parafoil through the pressure distribution and flow field. The results of the study show that compared with the aerodynamic parameters of the parafoil without bulges, the optimal angle of attack of the two parafoils with bulges is increased by 4?, the maximum lift to drag ratio of the parafoil with closed leading edge is reduced by about 4.3% and the optimal angle of attack is reduced by about 2?. The maximum lift to drag ratio of the parafoil with open leading edge is reduced by about 23.6% and the stalling angle of attack is reduced by about 4?. The pressure on the surface of a ram-air parafoil with open leading edge inlet is the highest.