Slat cove dynamics of low Reynolds number flow past a 30P30N high lift configuration

Abstract

A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics analysis of low Reynolds number [O(104)] flow over a 30P30N three-element high lift wing is carried out using a high-order spectral element method. In this article, we study the flow in the slat cove region and the slat wake/shear layer interaction. Vortical structures, identified in the computations, are very similar to those visualized in recent experiments. For Reynolds numbers below a critical interval (found in recent experiments), Görtler vortices are observed in the slat wake, while for Reynolds numbers above the critical interval, a roll-up is observed in the slat cove and both streamwise and spanwise vortices form in the slat wake. Prior to the formation of Görtler and roll-up vortices, three-dimensional tongue- or rib-like vortex shapes, similar to those found in the wake of bluff bodies, are observed in the slat cove and promote transition to three-dimensional flow. Above the critical interval, streaks and spanwise vortices are observed to dominate the slat wake and lead to the formation of hairpin vortices which contribute to the transition to turbulence. Integral flow parameters such as lift, drag, and pressure coefficients are analyzed in the range of Reynolds numbers studied.