Transition prediction for flows with suction using the eN-method

Abstract

In this paper a validation study of transition prediction in a RANS solver for flows with suction is presented. The prediction of the transition locations is done using linear stability theory and the eN-method. The input data necessary for the stability analysis is directly taken from the RANS solution. In the RANS computations the suction velocity at the surface is introduced by a suction mass flux boundary condition. The prediction capability of the eNmethod is validated using different two- and three-dimensional experimental test cases, such as the flow over a flat plate, a NACA 642-A-215 and a NACA 64-A-010 airfoil and the flow over swept wings with an ONERA D and an ONERA DTP-B airfoil section normal to the leading edge. If disturbances introduced to the flow due to the suction process itself or due to the surface roughness caused by the suction holes are considered by a reduced critical N-factor, a good agreement of the predicted transition locations with experimental data is obtained.