Numerical Study on the Use of a Sinusoidal Leading Edge for Passive Stall Control at Low Reynolds Number

摘要

Detached eddy simulations have been performed for both infinite and finite wings using a sinusoidal leading edge for passive stall control at a Reynolds number of 160,000. The global effect of this geometrical modification was initially assessed in terms of aerodynamic characteristics, namely lift and drag. Detailed analyses of the flow topology have been obtained through the visualization of instantaneous vortical structures. The numerical simulations have demonstrated the ability of catching the bi-periodic flow pattern reported in published experiments for infinite wings. Simulations carried out for a unity aspect ratio finite wing have also been validated against experimental aerodynamic data. Finally, an explanation for the nature of the streamwise vortical structures emanating from the sinusoidal leading edge has been proposed.