The Effects of Multiple Boundary Layers in Simulations

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Multiple Boundary Layers in Simulations

In recent years, aerodynamic simulations, such as airfoils, have become much more advanced. The invention of the computer has greatly increased aerodynamic simulation capabilities. The simulation software Sub2D, used by Consulting Aviation Services, can create airfoil simulations with multiple bodies, simulate inviscid and viscous flow, compute the separation location of an airfoil, compute the coefficients for lift, moment, and drag, and more (Flansburg). Another facet of the Sub2D software is its ability to measure the thickness and characteristics of the boundary layer of a viscous airfoil (Flansburg). This function of the Sub2D software is important in finding the coefficients of lift, drag, and moment, as well as separation coordinates, for viscous flow. To better understand the role of boundary layers in aerodynamic simulations and calculations, boundary layers, along with some other concepts, must be explained.

Boundary Layers

The book Boundary Layer Theory by H. Schlichting and K. Gersten is, to quote the back cover, “almost legendary”. What can be implied from this quote is that the book Boundary Layer Theory is authoritative in the science of boundary layer. The book begins with a conundrum faced by the Eighteenth Century scientists studying fluid mechanics. These fluid mechanics were basing all of their studies on an ideal fluid. The problem with basing studies on an ideal fluid is that in an ideal fluid, a body moving subsonically will produce no drag (Schlichting & Gersten, 2000). This paradox, known as D’Alembert’s Paradox, is a result of the dismissing of a key factor which distinguishes inviscid and viscous flow. The key factor is tangential stress, or friction, and...

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... high-lift flow with separation control by periodic excitation. Informally published manuscript, Hermann-Fottinger-Institute for Fluid Mechanics, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany. Retrieved from http://www.cfd.tu-berlin.de/~schatz/PUBLICATIONS/aiaa2001-0296.pdf

Schlichting, H., & Gersten, K. (2000). Boundary layer theory. (8 ed.). Berlin: Springer.

Stieger, R. (2002). The effects of wakes on separating boundary layers in low pressure turbines. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdoms)Retrieved from http://www-g.eng.cam.ac.uk/whittle/publications/rds/RStieger_PhD.pdf

Tran, D. (2003). Comparison of numerical simulation of the flow around an airfoil in high lift configuration with piv experimental results. Berlin: Springer. Retrieved from http://extras.springer.com/2004/978-3-540-21423-6/Proceedings/p043.pdf

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