Transition prediction in infinite swept wings using Navier–Stokes computations and linear stability theory

Abstract

The coupling of Navier–Stokes computations with e N method for transition prediction in infinite swept wings is demonstrated. In the present paper, results are presented illustrating the successful coupling of these methods for a 45° swept wing operating at four different Reynolds numbers. Moreover, the main issues involved in the generation of adapted meshes and in the computation of the mean flow by a Navier–Stokes method are documented. In all studied cases, the subsequent linear stability analysis of the mean flow has shown that the transition process was dominated by cross-flow instability. The transition prediction results have been validated against experimental transition data from the literature.