Evaluating Airfoil Performance: A Comparative Study Using Numerical Simulations of Two Airfoils

Abstract

This study examines the aerodynamic performance of  airfoils using numerical simulations. It compares pressure distributions, velocity profiles, and lift and drag coefficients of two airfoils, one is symmetric and another is cambered. The cambered airfoil produces higher lift due to increased pressure gradients near the leading edge but also incurs higher drag compared to the symmetric. The symmetric airfoil, with its uniform pressure distribution and lower drag, is suitable for applications prioritizing drag reduction. The findings highlight the cambered’s advantage in high-lift scenarios, while the symmetric offers a balanced performance with lower drag. These insights aid in selecting airfoils for various aerodynamic applications. Future research could explore different flow conditions, turbulence models, and three-dimensional effects for deeper analysis. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 74(2): 207–218, 2026 (July)