Investigation of Transition and its Active Control in Separation Bubbles for a Wing Section at Re=200k: DNS, Theory, and Experiments

Shirzad Hosseinverdi, Adrián Grille Guerra, Hermann F. Fasel, Jesse C. Little

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

The fundamental flow physics of transition in uncontrolled and controlled separation bubbles for a modified NACA 643 − 618 airfoil at a chord Reynolds number of Re = 2 × 105 is investigated using a combined approach consisting of high-fidelity direct numerical simulations, linear stability analysis, and high-quality wind-tunnel experiments. For the uncontrolled flow, results from the DNS indicate a mean separation bubble that is larger than in the experiments, which may be explained by an earlier transition onset in the experiments caused by free-stream turbulence. In addition, active control of the laminar separation bubbles was investigated. Active flow control in the DNS is achieved by 2-D harmonic blowing and suction through a narrow spanwise slot, while the experiments use an alternating current dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator. In both cases, the intent is to generate periodic 2-D disturbances upstream of the separation location. For the controlled flow, when forced with relatively small amplitudes, both experiment and DNS exhibit 3-D disturbance waves with distinct spanwise periodic structures that are generated inside the bubble near the maximum bubble height. Without additional (i.e., random) perturbations in the DNS (except the 2-D disturbances used for flow control), a delay of transition and even re-laminarization of the flow is demonstrated. By comparison of the DNS results with experimental data and stability theory, the dominant physical mechanisms for both the controlled and uncontrolled flows are identified.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA SciTech Forum 2022
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624106316
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
EventAIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, AIAA SciTech Forum 2022 - San Diego, United States
Duration: Jan 3 2022Jan 7 2022

Publication series

NameAIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, AIAA SciTech Forum 2022

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, AIAA SciTech Forum 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period1/3/221/7/22

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering

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