scholarly journals The Effect of Reynolds Number on the Behaviour of a Leading Edge Separation Bubble

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birinchi K. Hazarika ◽  
Charles Hirsch
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Shear Layer ◽  
Production Rate ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Separation Point ◽  
Separation Bubbles ◽  
Edge Separation

An experimental investigation of a separation bubble on a C4 leading edge plate at an incidence in a low turbulence free stream at six Reynolds numbers, is reported. The long separation bubble, formed at the leading edge, has a short laminar and transitional zone followed by a long turbulent zone. The increase in Reynolds number reduced the laminar and transitional part significantly, but its effect on the length of the separation bubble is marginal till the transition starts at the separation point. The peak intermittency factor, which occurs at the centre of the shear layer, follows the universal intermittency distribution curve. The spot production rate for the separated flows are several orders of magnitude higher than that for the attached boundary layers. The transition process is initiated by the amplification of the instability waves in the shear layer similar to the natural mode of transition. At high Reynolds numbers, the onset of transition is likely to take place at the separation point. At lower chord Reynolds numbers, the separation to onset Reynolds number and the spot production rate parameter are functions of the separation momentum thickness Reynolds number. The free stream turbulence intensity has a strong influence on the spot production rate. New correlations for transition in the leading edge separation bubbles are proposed based on all the available intermittency measurements in the leading edge separation bubbles.

Three-Dimensional Vortex Structure in a Leading-Edge Separation Bubble at Moderate Reynolds Numbers

1991 ◽  
Vol 113 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyuro Sasaki ◽  
Masaru Kiya
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Plate Thickness ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Vortex Filaments ◽  
Separated Shear Layer ◽  
Hydrogen Bubbles ◽  
Edge Separation

This paper describes the results of a flow visualization study which concerns three-dimensional vortex structures in a leading-edge separation bubble formed along the sides of a blunt flat plate. Dye and hydrogen bubbles were used as tracers. Reynolds number (Re), based on the plate thickness, was varied from 80 to 800. For 80 < Re < 320, the separated shear layer remains laminar up to the reattachment line without significant spanwise distortion of vortex filaments. For 320 < Re < 380, a Λ-shaped deformation of vortex filaments appears shortly downstream of the reattachment and is arranged in-phase in the downstream direction. For Re > 380, hairpin-like structures are formed and arranged in a staggered manner. The longitudinal and spanwise distances of the vortex arrangement are presented as functions of the Reynolds number.

The Effect of Reynolds Number and Laminar Separation on Axial Cascade Performance

1975 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. B. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Shear Layer ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Practical Method ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Compressor Cascade ◽  
Laminar Separation ◽  
Semiempirical Theory

Testing over a range of Reynolds numbers was done for three NACA 65 Profiles in cascade. The testing was carried out in the VKI C-1 Low Speed Cascade Wind Tunnel; blade chord Reynolds number was varied from 250,000 to 40,000. A semiempirical theory is developed which will predict the behavior of the shear layer across a laminar separation bubble. The method is proposed for two-dimensional incompressible flow and is applicable down to short bubble bursting. The method can be used to predict the length of the laminar bubble, the bursting Reynolds number, and the development of the shear layer through the separated region. As such it is a practical method for calculating the profile losses of axial compressor and turbine cascades in the presence of laminar separation bubbles. It can also be used to predict the abrupt leading edge stall associated with thin airfoil sections. The predictions made by the method are compared with the available experimental data. The agreement could be considered good. The method was also used to predict regions of laminar separation in converging flows through axial compressor cascades (exterior to the corner vortices) with good results. For Reynolds numbers below bursting the semiempirical theory no longer applies. For this situation the performance of an axial compressor cascade can be computed using an empirical correlation proposed by the author. Comparison of performance prediction with experiment shows satisfactory agreement. Finally, a tentative correlation, based on the NACA Diffusion Factor, is presented that allows a rapid estimation of the bursting Reynolds number of an axial compressor cascade.

Effects of Free-Stream Turbulence on Transition of a Separated Boundary Layer Over the Leading-Edge of a Constant Thickness Airfoil

2015 ◽  
Vol 138 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Samson ◽  
S. Sarkar
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Shear Layer ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Constant Thickness ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Transition Mechanism ◽  
Bubble Length

This paper describes the change in the transition mechanism of a separated boundary layer formed from the semicircular leading-edge of a constant thickness airfoil as the free-stream turbulence (fst) increases. Experiments are carried out in a low-speed wind tunnel for three levels of fst (Tu = 0.65%, 4.6%, and 7.7%) at two Reynolds numbers (Re) 25,000 and 55,000 (based on the leading-edge diameter). Measurements of velocity and surface pressure along with flow field visualizations are carried out using a planar particle image velocimetry (PIV). The flow undergoes separation in the vicinity of leading-edge and reattaches in the downstream forming a separation bubble. The shear layer is laminar up to 20% of separation length, and then, the perturbations are amplified in the second-half attributing to breakdown and reattachment. The bubble length is highly susceptible to change in Tu. At low fst, the primary mode of instability of the shear layer is Kelvin–Helmholtz (K-H), although the local viscous effect may not be neglected. At high fst, the mechanism of shear layer rollup is bypassed with transient growth of perturbations along with evidence of spot formation. The predominant shedding frequency when normalized with respect to the momentum thickness at separation is almost constant and shows a good agreement with the previous studies. After reattachment, the flow takes longer length to approach a canonical boundary layer.

Experiments on Leading-Edge Induced Separated Shear Layer Under Various Imposed Pressure Gradients

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Anand ◽  
S. Sarkar ◽  
N. Thilakan
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Shear Layer ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Free Stream Velocity ◽  
Stream Velocity ◽  
Pressure Gradients ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Separated Shear Layer

The behaviour of a separated shear layer past a semi-circular leading edge flat plate, its transition and reattachment downstream to separation are investigated for different imposed pressure gradients. The experiments are carried out in a blowing tunnel for a Reynolds number of 2.44×105 (based on chord and free-stream velocity). The mean flow characteristics and the instantaneous vector field are documented using a two-component LDA and a planar PIV, whereas, surface pressures are measured with Electronically scanned pressure (ESP). The onset of separation occurs near the blend point for all values of β (flap angle deflection), however, a considerable shift is noticed in the point of reattachment. The dimensions of the separation bubble is highly susceptible to β and plays an important role in the activity of the outer shear layer. Instantaneous results from PIV show a significant unsteadiness in the shear layer at about 30% of the bubble length, which is further amplified in the second half of the bubble leading to three-dimensional motions. The reverse flow velocity is higher for a favourable pressure gradient (β = +30°) and is found to be 21% of the free stream velocity. The Reynolds number calculated based on ll (laminar shear layer length), falls in the range of 0.9×104 to 1.4×104. The numerical values concerning the criterion for separation and reattachment agree well with the available literature.

An experimental investigation of a laminar separation bubble on the leading-edge of a modelled aerofoil for different Reynolds numbers

2015 ◽  
Vol 230 (13) ◽  
pp. 2208-2224 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Samson ◽  
S Sarkar
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Shear Layer ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Constant Thickness ◽  
Laminar Separation Bubble ◽  
Laminar Separation ◽  
Separated Shear Layer

This paper describes the dynamics of a laminar separation bubble formed on the semi-circular leading edge of constant thickness aerofoil model. Detailed experimental studies are carried out in a low-speed wind tunnel, where surface pressure and time-averaged velocity in the separated region and as well as in the downstream are presented along with flow field visualisations through PIV for various Reynolds numbers ranging from 25,000 to 75,000 (based on the leading edge diameter). The results illustrate that the separated shear layer is laminar up to 20% of separation length and then the perturbations are amplified in the second half attributing to breakdown and reattachment. The bubble length is highly susceptible to change in Reynolds number and plays an important role in outer layer activities. Further, the transition of a separated shear layer is studied through variation of intermittency factor and comparing with existing correlations available in the literature for attached flow and as well as separated flow. Transition of the separated shear layer occurs through formation of K-H rolls, where the intermittency following spot propagation theory appears valid. The predominant shedding frequency when normalised with respect to the momentum thickness at separation remains almost constant with change in Reynolds number. The relaxation is slow after reattachment and the flow takes about five bubble lengths to approach a canonical layer.

scholarly journals An Inviscid-Viscous Method to Model Leading Edge Separation Bubbles

1994 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. John Calvert
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Initial Boundary ◽  
Axial Compressors ◽  
Recent Experimental Study ◽  
Separation Bubbles ◽  
Blade Section ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Edge Separation

Separation bubbles are likely to occur near the leading edges of sharp-edged blade sections in axial compressors and turbines, particularly when the sections are operated at positive incidence. Typically the flow reattaches a short distance from the leading edge as a turbulent boundary layer, the thickness of which depends on the details of the separation bubble. The overall performance of the blade section can be significantly affected by the thickness of this initial boundary layer — in some cases blade stall is mainly associated with the change in thickness of the layer as blade incidence is increased. A recent experimental study at the Whittle Laboratory, Cambridge demonstrated the importance of the blade leading edge shape on the separation bubble. In the present work, an inviscid-viscous method has been set up to model the experimental data and to provide a way of predicting the performance of this critical region for different leading edge shapes.

Experimental Study of Flow Separation over NACA633018 Wing with Synthetic Jet Control at Low Reynolds Numbers

2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.-Y. Lin ◽  
F.-B. Hsiao
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Flow Separation ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Synthetic Jet ◽  
Synthetic Jets ◽  
Laminar Separation ◽  
Low Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Jet Control

AbstractThis paper experimentally studies flow separation and aerodynamic performance of a NACA633018 wing using a series of piezoelectric-driven disks, which are located at 12% chord length from the leading edge to generate a spanwise-distributed synthetic jets to excite the passing flow. The experiment is conducted in an open-type wind tunnel with Reynolds numbers (Re) of 8 × 104 and 1.2 × 105, respectively, based on the wing chord. The oscillations of the synthetic jet actuators (SJAs) disturb the neighboring passage flow on the upper surface of the wing before the laminar separation takes place. The disturbances of energy influence the downstream development of boundary layers to eliminate or reduce the separation bubble on the upper surface of the wing. Significant lift increase and drag decrease are found at the tested Reynolds number of 8 × 104 due to the actuators excitation. Furthermore, the effect of drag also reduces dominant with increasing Reynolds number, but the increase on lift is reduced with the Reynolds number increased.

Leading Edge Separation Bubbles on Turbomachine Blades

1995 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Walraevens ◽  
N. A. Cumpsty
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Compressor Blades ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Pressure Distributions ◽  
Small Influence ◽  
Separation Bubbles

Results are presented for separation bubbles of the type that can form near the leading edges of thin compressor or turbine blades. These often occur when the incidence is such that the stagnation point is not on the nose of the aerofoil. Tests were carried out at low speed on a single aerofoil to simulate the range of conditions found on compressor blades. Both circular and elliptic shapes of leading edge were tested. Results are presented for a range of incidence, Reynolds number, and turbulence intensity and scale. The principal quantitative measurements presented are the pressure distributions in the leading edge and bubble region, as well as the boundary layer properties at a fixed distance downstream, where most of the flows had reattached. Reynolds number was found to have a comparatively small influence, but a raised level of free-stream turbulence has a striking effect, shortening or eliminating the bubble and increasing the magnitude of the suction spike. Increased free-stream turbulence also reduces the boundary layer thickness and shape parameter after the bubble. Some explanations of the processes are outlined.

Leading Edge Separation From a Blunt Plate at Low Reynolds Number

1980 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 494-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Lane ◽  
R. I. Loehrke
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Plate Thickness ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Laminar Separation Bubble ◽  
Laminar Separation ◽  
Separated Shear Layer ◽  
Separation Zones ◽  
Edge Separation ◽  
Steady Laminar

The flow over a blunt plate aligned parallel to the stream was visualized using dye tracers. A leading edge separation bubble was observed to form at a Reynolds number based on plate thickness of 100. The steady, laminar separation bubble on a long plate, L/t ≥ 8, grows in size with increasing Reynolds number reaching a maximum streamwise length at Ret = 325. The separated shear layer becomes unsteady and the bubble shrinks in size with further increases in Reynolds number. The leading and trailing edge separation zones on short plates, L/t ≤ 4, may combine to form a large recirculation pocket.

Compressor blade leading edges in subsonic compressible flow

2000 ◽  
Vol 214 (1) ◽  
pp. 221-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Tain ◽  
N. A. Cumpsty
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Mach Number ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Inviscid Flow ◽  
Compressor Blade ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Mach Numbers

The flow around the leading edge of a compressor blade is interesting and important because there is such a strong interaction between the viscous boundary layer flow and the inviscid flow around it. As the velocity of the inviscid flow just outside the boundary layer is increased from subsonic to supersonic, the type of viscous-inviscid interaction changes; this has important effects on the boundary layer downstream and thus on the performance of the aerofoil or blade. An investigation has been undertaken of the flow in the immediate vicinity of a simulated compressor blade leading edge for a range of inlet Mach numbers from 0.6 to 0.95. The two-dimensional aerofoil used has a circular leading edge on the front of a flat aerofoil. The incidence, Reynolds number and level of free-stream turbulence have been varied. Measurements include the static pressure around the leading edge and downstream and the boundary layer profile far enough downstream for the leading edge bubble to have reattached. Schlieren pictures were also obtained. The flow around the leading edge becomes supersonic when the inlet Mach number is 0.7 for the zero-incidence case; for an inlet Mach number of 0.95 the peak Mach number was approximately 1.7. The pattern of flow around the leading edge alters as the Mach number is increased, and at the highest Mach number tested here the laminar separation bubble is removed. Positive incidence, raised free-stream turbulence or increased Reynolds number at intermediate inlet Mach numbers tended to promote flow patterns similar to those seen at the highest inlet Mach number. Both increased free-stream turbulence and increased Reynolds number, for the same Mach number and incidence, produced thinner shear layers including a thinner boundary layer well downstream. The measurements were supported by calculations using the MSES code (the single aerofoil version of the MISES code); the calculations were helpful in interpreting the measured results and were demonstrated to be accurate enough to be used for design purposes.

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