Publication Date:
2019-06-28
Description:
A semi-empirical method for predicting separation bubble characteristics was evaluated using low Reynolds number test data. On the basis of this data, several observations were made. First, a sizable growth in the momentum thickness can occur in the laminar portion of a separation bubble. This is in direct contrast to the theory and is apparently due to low Reynolds number effects. Secondly, the transition Reynolds number (R sub l sub 1) which governs the extent of a bubble's laminar region, was found to be much lower than that used in the method. At present, there does not seem to be any evidence supporting a single value for R sub l sub 1. Apparently, R sub l sub 1 is affected by the freestream disturbance environment, and airfoil's pressure distribution, and possibly the chord Reynolds number as well. Thirdly, the growth in momentum thickness over a bubble's turbulent region was predicted reasonably well by the method, provided that Roberts' suggested value for the mean dissipation coefficient was used. Finally, the present data does not substantiate the universality of the velocity profile at reattachment. However, measurement error may be responsible for this result.
Keywords:
AERODYNAMICS
Type:
NASA-CR-176857
,
NAS 1.26:176857
Format:
application/pdf
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