Aerodynamic performance of a characteristic airfoil at low-Reynolds number and transonic flow under Mars sand-containing environment

The propeller tip of an unmanned aerial vehicle on Mars operates at a low-Reynolds number (Re = 1–5 × 104) and transonic velocity range (Ma 0.7–1.2). Generally, this implies flow separation shock waves in the field. Furthermore, impact Martian atmospheric sand particles significantly affects aerodynamic performance, numerical simulations issue have received increasing attention recently. Aimed characteristic airfoil, study influence sand-containing airfoil performance were analyzed study. discrete phase model was adopted to simulate two-phase considering Re 8100–56 800 Ma 0.2–1.4. results indicate that, compared with environment Earth, low-pressure atmosphere can delay generation surface wave as well alter structure, lift-to-drag ratio high subsonic velocities 0.6–0.8). Moreover, due weak compressive generated position, weakens strength trailing-edge oblique reduces drag when 0.9–1.4. Compared sand-free environment, affect transition positions laminar bubbles, addition structure. At different Mach numbers, lift first increased then decreased flowed horizontal direction during entire process entering exiting