Abstract: By applying the numerical methods of the 3D Navier-Stokes equation and the standard shear stress transport(SST) model in this artiele, the effect of different canard positions and geometries on the aerodynamic efficiency of a canard with a forward-swept configuration is simulated. While it is difficult to differentiate the aerodynamic characteristics of the various parts of the wing in a wind tunnel experiment, the lift-drag ratio and the flow mechanism of such a configuration are investigated through assembly analysis. The result shows that the improvement of aerodynamic efficiency of the forward-swept wing, especially at high angles of attack, demonstrates a close relationship with the position and geometry of the a canard. A sweep-back canard with a high position and short distance can produce mutually favorable interference with the wing. Compared with the no-canard layout, the maximal lift coefficient increases by about 28.3% and the maximal lift-drag ratio increases by about 15.4%, which highly improves the longitudinal aerodynamic efficiency of a forward-swept wing. Results of the article can thus provide certain theoretical references for the beforehand research and development of the advanced forward-swept configuration.

Key words: forward-swept wing, canard, aerodynamic characteristics, numerical simulation, flow mechanism