Computational fluid dynamics analysis of multi-element, high-lift aerofoil sections at transonic manoeuvre conditions

Johnston, LJ

Abstract

The application of a previously-developed computational method to the prediction of high-lift performance for multi-element aerofoil sections operating at transonic flow conditions is described. The flows are computed by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations, using a full differential Reynolds-stress turbulence model to evaluate the various Reynolds-stress components appearing in the governing mean-flow equations. Algebraic wall functions are used to bridge the molecular-viscosity dominated region immediately adjacent to the aerofoil surfaces. An unstructured-grid based Computational Fluid Dynamics methodology is used to deal with the geometric complexity of the multi-element aerofoil configurations. Initial results are presented for the viscous, transonic flow development around the SKF 1.1 supercritical aerofoil section, equipped with either a trailing-edge flap or a leading-edge slat. Predicted surface pressure distributions generally compare well with experimental data for the two high-lift aerofoil geometries considered, at a free-stream Mach number of 0.6 and over a range of incidence angles. There are some discrepancies in the regions immediately downstream of shock wave/boundary layer interactions, possibly resulting from the use of wall-function boundary conditions in the computations. Predicted Mach number contours indicate the complexity of the transonic flow fields for high-lift configurations, with the slat wake passing through an extensive supersonic-flow region, terminated by a normal shock wave, on the main aerofoil upper surface, for example

Citation

Johnston, L. (2012). Computational fluid dynamics analysis of multi-element, high-lift aerofoil sections at transonic manoeuvre conditions. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part G: Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 226(8), 912-929. https://doi.org/10.1177/0954410011417541

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2012
• Deposit Date: Jul 24, 2012
• Journal: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part G: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
• Print ISSN: 0954-4100
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 226
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 912-929
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0954410011417541
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0954410011417541