@article{ajer20251332,
author={{Gikenyi, Tiberius S. and Saoke, Churchill O. and Kamau, Joseph N.},
title={Numerical Investigation of a NACA 0012 Airfoil with Static-Extended Trailing Edges and Gurney Flaps for Low-Reynolds-Number Wind Turbine Applications},
journal={American Journal of Energy Research},
volume={13},
number={3},
pages={86--95},
year={2025},
url={https://pubs.sciepub.com/ajer/13/3/2},
issn={2328-7330},
abstract={The efficiency of a wind turbine depends on the aerodynamic efficiency of its blade¡¯s airfoil geometry. In this study, we numerically investigate the influence of static extended trailing edges (SETEs) and gurney flaps (GFs) on the aerodynamic characteristics of the NACA 0012 airfoil at a low Reynolds number (Re = 2 ¡Á 10<SUP>5</SUP>). The analysis was conducted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based on the 2-dimensional steady and unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS/URANS) with the k-¦Ø Shear Stress Transport (SST) model. Three different-sized SETE flap lengths of 10%<i>c</i>, 20%<i>c</i>, and 30%<i>c</i> and three Gurney flaps with heights of 1%<i>c</i>, 2%<i>c</i>, and 3%<i>c</i> were tested at various angles of attack (-4¡ã to 20¡ã). Measurements used the same baseline airfoil at the same Reynolds number to ensure direct comparison between SETE and Gurney flaps. Results show that while the GF 2%<i>c</i> produces high lift, it also causes greater instability beyond stall. SETE 20%<i>c</i> provides superior lift-to-drag ratios, delays separation, and reduces unsteady wake structures, making it an ideal configuration for small-scale wind turbine applications.},
doi={10.12691/ajer-13-3-2}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}