Application of a Hybrid Navier-Stokes Solver with Automatic Transition Prediction

Abstract

A hybrid Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes solver, a laminar boundary layer code and a fully automated local, linear stability code were coupled in order to predict the laminar-turbulent transition due to Tollmien-Schlichting and cross flow instabilities using the eN-method based on the two N factor approach. The coupled system was designed to be applied to three-dimensional aircraft configurations which are of industrial relevance. The application of the system to a two-dimensional two-element airfoil configuration and a three-dimensional generic full aircraft configuration is described and documented in this paper. The prediction of the laminar-turbulent transition lines was done in a fully automatic manner. It will be shown that complex aircraft configurations can be handled without a priori knowledge of the transition characteristics of the specific flow problem. The computational results are partially compared to experimental data.