Effect of leading edge geometry on boundary layer transition-an experimental approach

Dinesh Bhatia, Guang Jun Yang, Jing Sun, Jian Wang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Boundary layers are affected by a number of different factors. Transition of the boundary layer is very sensitive to changes in geometry, velocity and turbulence levels. An understanding of the flow characteristics over a flat plate subjected to changes in geometry, velocity and turbulence is essential to try and understand boundary layer transition. Experiments were conducted in Low Turbulence wind tunnel (LTWT) at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NWPU), China to understand the effects due to changes in geometric profiles on boundary layer transition. The leading edge of the flat plate was changed and several different configurations ranging from Aspect Ratio (AR) 1 to 12 were used. Turbulence level was kept constant at 0.02% and the velocity was kept at default value of 30 m/s. The results indicated that as the AR increases, boundary layer thickness reduces at the same location along the plate. The displacement thickness shows that the fluctuations increase with an increase with AR which denotes the effect of leading edge on turbulence spot's production. For AR≥4, an increase in AR led to an elongation of the transition zone and a delay in transition onset.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInnovative Solutions in the Field of Engineering Sciences
PublisherTrans Tech Publications Ltd
Pages53-57
Number of pages5
ISBN (Print)9783038351511
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event2014 International Conference on Applied Mechanics and Mechanical Automation, AMMA 2014 - Macao, China
Duration: 20 May 201421 May 2014

Publication series

NameApplied Mechanics and Materials
Volume590
ISSN (Print)1660-9336
ISSN (Electronic)1662-7482

Conference

Conference2014 International Conference on Applied Mechanics and Mechanical Automation, AMMA 2014
Country/TerritoryChina
CityMacao
Period20/05/1421/05/14

Keywords

  • Aspect ratios
  • Boundary layer transition
  • Low turbulence wind tunnel
  • Shape factor
  • Velocity profiles

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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