The Impact of Camber Variation on NACA 2412 Airfoil Efficiency and Its Implications for Adaptive Engineering Solutions

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of varying the camber on the aerodynamic efficiency of the NACA 2412 airfoil by analyzing the Lift-to-Drag (L/D) ratio. Using wind tunnel tests at a constant speed of 95 MPH, data was collected for different camber configurations, and L/D ratios were computed for each trial. The NACA 2412 airfoil camber was modified to increase the camber by 20%, decrease it by 20%, and decrease surface area by 20%. These were all tested at Angle of Attack values from 0 to 30 in 5-degree increments. The results revealed a strong correlation between camber variation and aerodynamic efficiency, with certain camber settings significantly enhancing performance at specific Angles of Attack. While the original NACA 2412 served as a control, modifications such as reduced camber and surface area demonstrated significant efficiency changes, underscoring the role of camber in optimizing performance. The study provides valuable insights for optimizing airfoil design, offering practical applications in aircraft engineering, particularly in the development of systems that can adapt wing geometry dynamically to optimize performance. However, limitations such as fixed airspeed and limited camber variations were noted, highlighting the need for further investigation into more diverse conditions. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of how engineering solutions can enhance aircraft performance by incorporating adaptable design elements.