An Examination of Key Aerodynamic Modeling Issues Raised by the NREL Blind Comparison

This paper describes some recent work undertaken in the aftermath of the ‘blind comparison’ with the NREL Unsteady Aerodynamics Experimental data collected in the NASA Ames wind tunnel. The data set collected in the NASA Ames tunnel represents a unique opportunity for aerodynamic modelers to enhance the capability of prediction schemes by comparison with ‘clean’ aerodynamic data. In this paper, the sensitivity of the results predicted by the Glasgow University prescribed wake model (HAWTDAWG) to a range of parameters including the blade section aerodynamic data is examined with reference to the measured data. In addition, specific modeling considerations highlighted by the measured data set are also discussed.