Understanding boundary layer suction and its e ect on wings - A review

Abstract

Boundary layer suction reduces drag by stabilizing the laminar boundary preventing transition and conceding higher regions of laminar ow. Boundary layer suction(BLS) also postpones boundary layer separation resulting in higher CLmax. This phenomenon is particularly useful in the Aerospace sector and many applications are found and hence understanding the mechanics of BLS becomes critical. Consequently it becomes vital to understand the e ect of BLS during di erent ight regimes and mission pro les. The objective of this review is to understand and document the understanding on BLS and its e ects. The in uence of location and position of suction, suction ow rate and suction hole width on aerodynamic performance by experiments and numerical analysis have been reviewed. It has been brought out that there is a convincing decrease in drag and pressure loss and an increase in max lift which in turn improves the overall performance of the aircraft. While multi-hole suction control can reduce drag much more e ciently than single hole suction control, position of the suction hole has a greater e ect on reducing pressure losses than the suction ow rate. The factors a ecting BLS and its e ects on aerodynamic performance and overall performance of the aircraft has been discussed in this review.