Abstract
The circulation control method for improving the hydrodynamic characteristics of a low aspect ratio rudder is investigated in circulating water-channel tests. Circulation control is achieved from a thin jet of water that exits through a 0.45mm spanwise slot along the upper surface of the airfoil near the trailing edge. Experimental investigations have demonstrated that the lift increases as the jet blowing increases, and the lift augmentation is obtained even at zero deg angle of attack with relatively small amounts of blowing water. Endplates installed at both ends of rudder's span are shown to increase the lift at fixed angle of attack and decrease the drag. The longitudinal V grooves engraved at Coanda surface are also shown to decreases the drag and improve the lift-to-drag ratio.
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