Transition prediction method for three-dimensional flows using linear stability theory

Abstract

A methodology to predict the laminar-turbulent transition in RANS computations for general three-dimensional aerodynamic configurations is presented. The transition prediction methodology consists of a coupled program system and incorporates A RANS solver, a transition prediction module directly implemented into the RANS solver and an external stability code. Transition prediction is applied based on linear stability theory in combination with the eN method together with the 2N-factor strategy for the consideration of streamwise and cross-flow instabilities. The stability analysis is applied along inviscid streamlines and the boundary layer profiles for the stability analysis are directly extracted from the RANS solution. The accuracy of the transition prediction method is validated based on several wind tunnel experiments for flows of varying complexity. In general, a good accordance of the predicted transition locations with the experiment is achieved.