Laminar Separation Bubble Research Articles

The structure and dynamics of the laminar separation bubble

A novel selective mode decomposition, proper orthogonal decomposition and dynamic mode decomposition methods are used to analyse large-eddy simulation data of the flow field about a NACA0012 airfoil at low Reynolds numbers of $5\times 10^4$ and $9\times 10^4$ , and at near-stall conditions. The objective of the analysis is to investigate the structure of the laminar separation bubble (LSB) and its associated low-frequency flow oscillation (LFO). It is shown that the flow field can be decomposed into three dominant flow modes: two low-frequency modes (LFO-Mode-1 and LFO-Mode-2) that govern an interplay of a triad of vortices and sustain the LFO phenomenon, and a high-frequency oscillating (HFO) mode featuring travelling Kelvin–Helmholtz waves along the wake of the airfoil. The structure and dynamics of the LSB depend on the energy content of these three dominant flow modes. At angles of attack lower than the stall angle of attack and above the angle of a full stall, the flow is dominated by the HFO mode. At angles of attack above the stall angle of attack the LFO-Mode-2 overtakes the HFO mode, triggers instability in the LSB and initiates the LFO phenomenon. Previous studies peg the structure, stability and bursting conditions of the separation bubble to local flow parameters. However, the amplitude of these local flow parameters is dependent on the energy content of the three dominant flow modes. Thus, the present work proposes a more robust bursting criterion that is based on global eigenmodes.

Effect of morphed trailing edge on the acoustic and flow characteristics of National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 4418 airfoil

Trailing-edge profile has an important impact on the aeroacoustic behavior of an airfoil, particularly the tonal noise in the low-medium Reynolds number range. Three profiles, NACA 4418 defined by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and its morphed variants with the trailing-edge deflections at ±8°, are investigated by wind tunnel experiments to reveal the acoustic and flow characteristics at the chord-based Reynolds number ranging from 1.2×105 to 3.1×105. The consistent observation across all profiles is the dominant feedback loop located on the pressure surface. The aeroacoustic findings show that the morphed trailing edge alters the tonal frequency spacing, mainly due to the change of the vortex convection velocity in the feedback loop. Furthermore, the trailing-edge morphing is observed to modulate the mode switching of the dominant tones. The local flow results reveal that the laminar separation bubble on the pressure side amplifies the flow oscillation. Notably, the profile with the trailing-edge upward deflection, characterized by a laminar separation bubble on the pressure surface, is particularly susceptible to the low-frequency broadband oscillation. The joint analysis of the acoustic and flow fields suggests that the laminar separation bubble heightens the sensitivity of the dominant tone mode switching to the incoming flow velocity.

Investigation of aerodynamic characteristics of concept wing design inspired by the sooty shearwater

Biomimetics, the practice of drawing inspiration from nature to solve engineering challenges, has gained significant traction in aerospace design, particularly in the development of more efficient wing structures. This study investigated the aerodynamic potential of concept wing designs inspired by the Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna Grisea), a seabird renowned for its long-distance migratory capabilities and energy-efficient flight patterns. By leveraging the unique wing morphology of the Sooty Shearwater, three biomimetic wing models were developed using the Goettingen 173 airfoil. These designs were tested in a wind tunnel, where force measurements and flow visualization techniques were employed to evaluate their performance. Force measurement results show that a two-stage stall occurs for both models 1 and 2, with lift coefficient (CL) reaching an intermediate value when the first step occurs. Based on flow visualization results, model 1 demonstrates enhanced aerodynamic performance relative to the other models by dividing the laminar separation bubble into two sections in the spanwise direction as a result of the large stall cell formation. The findings reveal how specific aspects of the shearwater's wing structure can be translated into unmanned aerial vehicle designs, potentially enhancing aerodynamic efficiency in low-speed, low-Reynolds-number flight regimes.

Experimental Optimization of the SG6043 Airfoil for Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines Using Schmitz Equations

This study presents the experimental optimization of the SG6043 airfoil for horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) using the Schmitz equation, focusing on enhancing power output and elucidating the surface flow structure. Two blade models, M1 (conventional) and M2 (optimized), were designed and tested at rotational speeds of 400 rpm and 600 rpm across a range of tip speed ratios (TSR). The M2 model, optimized using Schmitz equations, demonstrated significantly improved performance compared to the M1 model at both rotational speeds. At 400 rpm, the maximum power coefficient (CP) for M1 was 0.274, while M2 reached 0.419, indicating a 52.91% improvement. At 600 rpm, M1 achieved a maximum CP of 0.293, whereas M2 attained 0.458, representing a 56.31% enhancement. The M2 model also showed superior performance at higher TSRs, with the highest percentage increase in CP recorded at 4.9 TSR, reaching 574.54%. Additionally, dynamic surface oil-flow visualization experiments were conducted to examine flow behavior on the blade surfaces. Results indicated better flow attachment in the M2 blade due to its optimized twist angle and chord length, particularly in the mid-section, leading to delayed flow separation. The reattachment observed on the suction side of the M2 model, following the laminar separation bubble (LSB), which was absent in the M1, contributed to its higher aerodynamic efficiency and overall power performance. These findings confirm that the optimized SG6043 airfoil design, guided by Schmitz equations, offers significant improvements in HAWT performance, particularly under varying operational conditions.

Sensitivity of flows over three-dimensional swept wings at low Reynolds number

High angle of attack flows over swept three-dimensional wings based on the NACA 0015 profile are studied numerically at low Reynolds numbers. Linear stability analysis is used to compute instability and receptivity of the flow via the respective three-dimensional (triglobal) direct and adjoint eigenmodes. The magnitude of the adjoint eigenvectors is used to identify regions of maximum flow receptivity to momentum forcing. It is found that such regions are located above the primary three-dimensional separation line, their spanwise position varying with wing sweep. The wavemaker region corresponding to the leading global eigenmode is computed and found to lie inside the laminar separation bubble (LSB) at the spanwise location of peak recirculation. Increasing the Reynolds number leads to the wavemaker becoming more compact in the spanwise direction, and concentrated in the top and bottom shear layers of the LSB. As sweep is introduced, the wavemaker moves towards the wing tip, following the spanwise displacement of maximum recirculation. Flow modifications resulting from application of different types of forcing are studied by direct numerical simulation initialised with insights gained from stability analysis. Periodic forcing at the regions of maximum receptivity to momentum forcing results in greater departure from the baseline case compared to same (low, linear) amplitude forcing applied elsewhere, underlining the potential of linear stability analysis to identify optimal regions for actuator positioning.

Characterizing disturbance growth and transition of laminar separation bubbles subjected to varying freestream turbulence

The spatial manifestation of a boundary layer subjected to an adverse pressure gradient for varying freestream turbulence (FST) is discussed here through experiments and a wall-resolved large eddy simulation (LES). Three levels of FST, i.e., 1.02%, 2.1%, and 3.5%, are considered at a Reynolds number of 0.2 × 106 based on the inlet velocity and plate length. A laminar separation bubble (LSB) appears for FST levels of 1.02%, where the shear layer becomes unstable via the Kelvin-Helmholtz (K-H) mechanism. Bubble suppression is apparent, where transition occurs via the Klebanoff mode (K-mode), bypassing the K-H instability as the FST level is increased to 3.5%. The streamwise evolution of fluctuations reveals an exponential growth at a low FST of 1.02%, whereas it changes to algebraic at a higher FST level of 3.5%. Notably, a dual growth of velocity fluctuations, i.e., an algebraic growth in the initial part of LSB followed by an exponential growth, illustrates the coexistence of K-H instability and K-mode at an FST level of 2.1%: a finding corroborated by LES. Additionally, local linear stability analysis and the evolution of intermittency provide valuable insights into the growth of modal and non-modal instabilities and their interactions.

Experimental investigation of non-synchronous vibration and its mechanism analysis by using a cantilever beam-like compressor cascade

With the increasement of unsteady load and the extensive utilization of light-weight material, compressor blade is encountering increasingly serious flow induced vibration problems. Among which, non-synchronous vibration (NSV) has received special attention due to its complex generation mechanism and significant impact on high cycle fatigue. To better understand the physical mechanism causing NSV in compressor, this study designed a cantilever beam-like compressor cascade and made a detailed investigation about its flow separation induced vibration by means of experimental and numerical methods. The experiments were conducted at 9 engine representative conditions and the data of both on-blade pressure and structural response were measured simultaneously. Results show that, the effect of Ma number on the dynamic response will increase with the increasement of incidence angle and there is a strong nonlinearity. The effect of incidence angle on the dynamic response shows obvious bifurcation phenomenon. The results of large eddy simulation (LES) further reveal that the obvious characteristics of the dynamic response are caused by the laminar separation bubble (LSB) of suction surface, and the periodic separation and reattachment of boundary layer provides initial excitation sources for NSV. The unsteady excitation acts on blades in the form of energy and then forces the blades to vibrate with low order modes. The vibration amplitudes are closely related to the separation points and increase as the separation points move forward.

Experimental and computational investigations of flexible membrane nano rotors in hover

With reduced size, the flight Reynolds number of the nano rotor decreases, leading to a sharp drop in the aerodynamic efficiency of the nano rotor. Therefore, improving the aerodynamic performance of the nano rotor at low Reynolds numbers through flow control methods becomes imperative. In this study, from the perspective of bionics, flexible materials are employed in nano rotor design. Seven different layouts of flexible membrane rotor blades are designed and fabricated. The influence of leading and trailing edge flexibility, as well as membrane occupancy ratio on rotor blade propulsion characteristics, is explored through propulsion performance tests in hover.Results show that among several layouts proposed in this study, the layout with both reinforced leading and trailing edges of the flexible membrane nano rotor blade exhibits excellent propulsive performance. However, the propulsion performance of the flexible membrane rotors doesn't vary linearly with the ratio of membrane area to the whole rotor area. The appropriate ratio or flexibility can increase the propulsive performance of the rotor, especially at medium and high collective angles. At 7000 RPM and a 20° collective angle, the Figure of Merit of the flexible membrane nano rotor increases up to 4.2% when comparing with the nano rotor without membrane. This improvement becomes more significant with higher collective angles. The structural natural vibration characteristics of each flexible membrane with different layouts are analyzed through modal tests, ensuring the accuracy of the finite element model for flexible membrane rotors. Numerical analysis of the fluid-structure coupling of a flexible membrane rotor with different layouts indicates that rotor structural vibrations is highly consistent with fluctuation of aerodynamic parameters. The deformation of the flexible membrane under aerodynamic forces enhances local blade camber, but reduces angles of attack. This, subsequently, minimizes the size of laminar separation bubbles and the intensity of the blade tip vortices at high collective angles. Consequently, rotor power coefficients decrease, and overall aerodynamic performance improves.

Boundary layer stability on a rotating wind turbine blade section

Wall-resolved large eddy simulations of the flow on a rotating wind turbine blade section are conducted to study the rotation effects on laminar-turbulent transition on the suction surface. A chord Reynolds number of 1×105 and angles of attack (AoA) of 12.8°, 4.2°, and 1.2° are considered. Simulations with and without rotation are performed for each AoA. For AoA=12.8°, rotation increases the reverse flow from 7% of the free-stream velocity in the non-rotating case to 16% of it in the rotating case in the laminar separation bubble (LSB), triggering an oblique instability mechanism in the latter, leading to a faster breakdown to small-scale turbulence. However, rotation delays transition and reattachment in 3%–4% of the chord due to the acceleration of the boundary layer upstream of the LSB, which is subject to a strong adverse pressure gradient (APG), stabilizing Tollmien–Schlichting (TS) waves. Regarding AoA=4.2° and 1.2°, rotation slightly decelerates the attached boundary layer since the APG is very mild but accelerates the separated flow downstream, stabilizing Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) modes. This mitigates the oblique instability mechanism and slows down the breakdown of KH vortices in the rotating case. In these cases, the transition location is little affected by rotation, possibly due to a rotation-independent absolute instability. Rotation also generates a spanwise tip-flow in the LSB for AoA=4.2° and 1.2°, which is highly unstable and triggers stationary and traveling crossflow modes. Nevertheless, the amplitudes of these modes remain too low to trigger transition.

Validated Dynamic Stall Simulation of Pitching Low Reynolds Number Airfoils

Deep dynamic stall is one of several complex behaviors that result in extreme variation of the aerodynamic loads on small wind turbine (SWT) blades during unsteady wind conditions. In this study, unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations are performed for two low Reynolds number (Re) airfoils where sinusoidal pitching is applied to replicate the dynamic stall that occurs on rotating SWT blades. The SD 7037 airfoil is simulated at Re=4.1×104 and a pitching reduced frequency of k=0.08, and the S833 airfoil is at Re=1.7×105 and k=0.06. The simulated lift coefficient and dynamic stall timing agree with experimental data, which is attributed to the wall-normal resolution of the mesh and is an advancement from the early prediction of stall seen consistently in previous numerical studies. The accurate prediction of dynamic stall is found to be dependent on the correct simulation of the bursting of the laminar separation bubble (LSB), which initiates the complete separation of the boundary layer and the formation of a leading-edge vortex. The γ−Reθ,t k−ω model combined with the use of a fine mesh at the airfoil leading edge results in an accurate simulation of the bursting LSB and the correct prediction of the deep dynamic stall.

Role of Partial Flexibility on Flow Evolution and Aerodynamic Power Efficiency over a Turbine Blade Airfoil

In this study, the aerodynamic performance of a cambered wind turbine airfoil with a partially flexible membrane material on its suction surface was examined experimentally across various angles of attack and Reynolds numbers. It encompassed physical explanation at the pre/post-stall regions. The results of particle image velocimetry revealed that the laminar separation bubble was diminished or even suppressed when a local flexible membrane material was employed on the suction surface of the wind turbine blade close to the leading edge. The results of the deformation measurement indicated that the membrane had a range of flow modes. This showed that the distribution of aerodynamic fluctuations due to the presence of LSB-induced vortices was reduced. This also led to a narrower wake region occurring. Aerodynamic performance improved and aerodynamic vibration significantly lowered, particularly at the post-stall zone, according to the results of the aerodynamic force measurement. In addition to the lift force, the drag force was enormously reduced, corroborating and matching well with the results of PIV and deformation measurements. Consequently, significant benefits for a turbine blade were notably observed, including aerodynamic performance enhancement, increased aerodynamic power efficiency, and reduced aerodynamic vibration.

Estimation of CLARK Y-14 Airfoil’s Lift Hysteresis in Low-Speed Flow

A phenomenon called hysteresis is responsible for the difference in the separation and the reattachment angles of an airfoil which is seen within the vicinity of the stalling angle of attack. The reason for this is the difference in the expected lift distribution of an airfoil for a particular angle of attack when recovery from stall is achieved. This leads to asymmetric flow parameters around a body even when the boundaries remain symmetric. Empirical results were obtained for a two-dimensional Clark Y-14 airfoil by varying the angle of attack for different Reynold’s numbers in order to estimate how lift characteristics are affected by the formation of hysteresis loops at different Reynolds numbers. It was seen that the extent of the clockwise hysteresis loops of the Clark Y-14 increased with the increase of the Reynolds number up to the Reynolds number of 134072 before starting to decrease again. The stalling angles followed a similar pattern before starting to decrease at a Reynolds number of 164543. These trends observed for the Clark Y-14 airfoil is similar to that of the Eppler 591 and NACA 0018 by Lance W.Traub and W.A Timmer respectively (Timmer, 2008), (Traub, 2016). When analyzing the coefficient of pressure variation for the Clark Y-14 airfoil at a particular Reynolds number, it was seen that a laminar separation bubble was formed for the forward stroke which shifted towards the leading edge of the airfoil which was common for all the Reynolds numbers. In the forward stroke, it could be seen that a laminar separation bubble was formed whereas for the backward stroke no such laminar separation bubble was formed for the same angle of attack which gave rise to the hysteresis loops of the Clark Y-`14 airfoil. It was observed that the laminar separation bubble had a direct impact on the formation of the hysteresis loops giving rise to static stall hysteresis as mentioned in previous research published by various authors. The empirical results obtained were further validated using Computation Fluid Dynamics.

Flow Development Over An SD7003 Airfoil At Different Accelerations From Rest

This work examines the effect of acceleration on the formation of a laminar separation bubble (LSB). The experiments were performed in a water towing tank with an SD7003 airfoil model accelerated from rest to a constant chord Reynolds number. Quantitative flow field measurements were performed using two-component time-resolved Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) over a range of accelerations. A detailed analysis of the spatio-temporal flow development is conducted focusing on the LSB formation and dynamics. The results provide insight into the mechanism of LSB formation. The associated transient flow development is shown to persist over several convective time units after steady state free-stream velocity is reached, with no significant effect of acceleration on the overall transient duration. However, the acceleration rate has a substantial effect on flow development during the acceleration phase.

Instability processes in short and long laminar separation bubbles

This work studies the link between the bursting process of a flat plate laminar separation bubble and the modification of the stability characteristics of the separated shear layer due to changes in the flow parameters. A vast population of short and long laminar separation bubbles was surveyed by means of Particle Image Velocimetry instrumentation for different values of the Reynolds number, the free-stream turbulence intensity and the streamwise pressure gradient. A fine-step variation of the free-stream velocity allowed us to determine the critical Reynolds number at which bursting occurs. Successively, the most amplified wavelength and frequency were computed for both the short and the long bubble regimes. Once scaled with the boundary layer displacement thickness at separation, the average wavenumber of the vortices shed by the bubble was found to be constant and equal to about 0.9 in the short regime, accordingly to previous studies. Differently, this quantity reduces to about 0.6 in the long bubble regime, and a marked change in the Strouhal number of vortex shedding occurs. Also, the temporal growth of spanwise vortices was seen to occur in the recirculation region of long type bubbles, being linked to an absolute instability of disturbances. The currently acquired data demonstrate the existing link between the bursting process of a laminar separation bubble and a marked change in the instability mechanisms driving the transition process of the boundary layer. A simplified correlation for the prediction of bursting is provided in this work as a function of the free-stream turbulence intensity and the streamwise pressure gradient.

Influence of roughness-generated streaks on laminar separation bubbles

Influence of roughness-generated streaks on laminar separation bubbles

Multiple boundary layer suction slots technique for performance improvement of vertical-axis wind turbines: Conceptual design and parametric analysis

Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are gaining attention for urban and offshore applications. However, their development is hindered by suboptimal power performance, primarily attributable to the complex aerodynamic characteristics of the blades. Flow control techniques are expected to regulate the flow on the blade surface and improve blade aerodynamics. In the present study, an effective active flow control technique, multiple boundary layer suction slots (MBLSS), is designed for VAWTs performance improvement. The impact of MBLSS on the aerodynamic performance of VAWTs is examined using high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics simulations. The response surface methodology is employed to identify the relatively optimal configuration of MBLSS. Three key parameters are considered, i.e., number of slots (n), distance between slots (d), and slot length (l), which vary from 2 to 4, 0.025c to 0.125c, and 0.025c to 0.075c, respectively. The results show that MBLSS positively affects the power performance and aerodynamics of VAWTs. Parameter n has the most significant effect on VAWT power performance and the importance of d and l is determined by tip speed ratios (TSRs). Tight and loose slot arrangements are recommended for high and low TSRs, respectively. The relatively optimal configuration (n = 2, d = 0.025c, l = 0.05c) results in a remarkable 31.02% increase in the average net power output of the studied TSRs. The flow control mechanism of MBLSS for VAWT blade boundary layer flow has also been further complemented. MBLSS can prevent the bursting of laminar separation bubbles and avoid the formation of dynamic stall vortices. This increases the blade lift-to-drag ratio and mitigates aerodynamic load fluctuations. The wake profiles of VAWTs with MBLSS are also investigated. This study would add value to the application of active flow control techniques for VAWTs.

Unsteady load alleviation on highly flexible bio-inspired wings in longitudinally oscillating freestreams

This study delves into the aerodynamic behaviour of a highly flexible NACA 0012 aerofoil, drawing inspiration from avian feathers to handle a gust. We first examined unsteady flow on a rigid wing both experimentally and numerically and then explored the implications of introducing wing flexibility purely numerically. Our findings underscore the potential of composite materials in alleviating the oscillating aerodynamic forces on a wing under a streamwise gust. This behaviour is attributed to its capacity to destabilize the laminar separation bubble, fostering a more stable turbulent boundary layer. While direct avian evidence remains limited, it is postulated that in nature, such mechanisms could mitigate undesired wing flapping, optimizing energy consumption in perturbed environments.

Influence of freestream turbulence on boundary layer transition over a controlled-diffusion compressor blade

The influence of inlet freestream turbulence (FST) on the boundary layer transition over the suction surface of a controlled-diffusion compressor blade is demonstrated here by employing a well-resolved large-eddy simulation. Inherent to low Reynolds number conditions, a laminar separation bubble (LSB) forms on the suction surface, attributing to substantial flow diffusion. Inlet FST levels ranging from 1.5% to 7.6% are systematically varied, while maintaining a constant Reynolds number based on axial chord and inlet velocity at 2.1 × 105. Transition of the shear layer is initiated via Kelvin–Helmholtz instability with the amplification of selective frequencies until an inlet FST of 2.3%. Secondary instability emerges in the second half of the LSB, attributed to the amplification of perturbations in the braid region, ultimately leading to breakdown near the reattachment. At a moderate FST level of 4.2%, longitudinal streaks in the first half of the blade elongate downstream, causing the LSB to disappear, while the flow becomes inflectional at the mid-chord. Thus, the boundary layer transition in the second half of the blade is attributed to the high receptivity of the inflectional layer and breakdown of streaks, leading to an exponential growth of disturbances. Finally, at an inlet FST of 7.6%, the boundary layer appears pre-transitional in the first half of the blade, exhibiting significant turbulence levels. In the latter half, excitation occurs primarily through the breakdown of streaks, reflecting an algebraic growth of disturbances. Flow features and oscillations in the Nusselt number in this case suggest the outer mode of streak-induced instability.

Transitional flow in a two-stage low-pressure axial turbine under different clocking of blades

Different modes of transitional flows are numerically analyzed in a two-stage low-pressure axial turbine, while being exposed to various clocking of second stator blades and results are presented in this paper. The numerical method utilizes coupled approach of SST k-ω turbulence andγ−Re˜θt transitional models. Kinematic of the wake flow in the blades passage and flow topology are presented and discussed. Different types of transitional flows including “separation induced transition” (i.e., “laminar separation bubble”), “reverse transition” and “bypass transition” are distinguished. Results of surface distribution of pressure and skin friction coefficients, turbulence intensity, intermittency and also transition momentum thickness Reynolds number are presented for the worst and optimum clocking cases, in detail. Results show that the onset points of separation induced transition and bypass transition move upstream by 6.64% and 5.47% in the optimum clocking in comparison to the worst case, respectively. In the optimum clocking the separation bubble length decreases by 1.57% and the onset point of the reverse transition moves downstream by 1.2%. All these beneficial effects happen basically as a result of impinging the first stage wake flow on the leading edge of the second stator blade suction side, which in turn, causes transition from laminar to turbulent to occur within the boundary layer.

Numerical Prediction of Tonal Aeroacoustic Noise Produced by Small Wind Turbines

The aeroacoustic design of small wind turbines (SWTs) can be challenging due to the possibility of the low Reynolds number (Re) flow over the blades generating tonal noise. The numerical prediction of this tonal noise using computational aeroacoustics can improve the understanding of the flow mechanisms behind the tonal noise to improve SWT blade design. In this study, wall-resolved incompressible large eddy simulation (LES) and the Ffowcs-Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) acoustic analogy are applied to a low Re airfoil, SD 7037, at Re = 4.1 × 104 to assess the ability of this method to predict tonal noise. The tonal prediction at 1° angle of attack aligned with experimental measurements and further analysis confirmed that the Kelvin-Helmholtz (K-H) rolls in the suction side laminar separation bubble (LSB) are the source of the aeroacoustic tone. The tone is due to the K-H rolls passing the trailing edge of the airfoil, and a secondary tone intermittently appears due to a 3D instability in the K-H roll. The accurate prediction of tonal noise using LES and FW-H opens the possibility of incorporating this method into the aeroacoustic design of low Re airfoils used for SWTs.