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Research Paper | Aerospace Engineering | Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026 | Pages: 2487 - 2496 | India
Influence of Angle of Attack on the Aerodynamic Efficiency and Stall Characteristics of a 3D-Printed Flat-Plate Glider at a Freestream Velocity of 8 m/s: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study
Abstract: This study investigates the influence of angle of attack on the aerodynamic performance and stall characteristics of a 3D-printed flat-plate glider using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Steady-state simulations were conducted over an angle-of-attack range of 0° to 30° in 2° increments at a constant freestream velocity of 8 m/s. Lift coefficient (CL), drag coefficient (CD), and aerodynamic efficiency (CL/CD) were evaluated for each simulation. Lift increased approximately linearly within the pre-stall region before reaching a maximum near 24° to 26°, after which flow separation reduced lift while drag continued to increase. Maximum aerodynamic efficiency occurred at approximately 6°, indicating that optimum glide performance occurs well before stall. The findings improve understanding of low-Reynolds-number flat-plate aerodynamics and demonstrate the usefulness of CFD as a cost-effective tool for preliminary aircraft design and aerodynamic performance evaluation.
Keywords: Computational Fluid Dynamics, Angle of Attack, Aerodynamic Efficiency, Stall, Flat-Plate Glider, Lift Coefficient, Drag Coefficient, Low-Reynolds-Number Aerodynamics
How to Cite?: Ayaan Kaushal, "Influence of Angle of Attack on the Aerodynamic Efficiency and Stall Characteristics of a 3D-Printed Flat-Plate Glider at a Freestream Velocity of 8 m/s: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 2487-2496, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26729192930, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26729192930