Dynamic stall modelling on airfoils based on strong viscous–inviscid interaction coupling

Abstract

AbstractThe prediction of the aerodynamic performance of pitching airfoils in stall conditions is considered in the context of strong viscous–inviscid interaction modelling. The aim of the work is to demonstrate the capabilities of a low‐cost dynamic stall model well suited for engineering applications. The model is formulated on the basis of a standard panel method combined with a vortex blob approximation of the wake. The development of the boundary layer over the airfoil and the evolution of the shear layer in the wake are taken into account by means of strong viscous–inviscid interaction coupling. To this end a transpiration layer is added to the inviscid formulation which represents the displacement effect viscosity results in the flow while the non‐linear coupled equations are solved simultaneously. Separation is modelled by introducing a second wake originating from the separation point (‘double‐wake’ concept) which is provided as part of the boundary layer solution. The theoretical presentation of the model is supported with favourable comparisons to four sets of wind tunnel measurements. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.