Laminar separation bubble dynamics and its effects on thin airfoil performance during pitching-up motion

This article reports an investigation into dynamic characteristics of the laminar separation bubbles (LSBs) associated with aerodynamic loads unsteadiness a cambered thin airfoil in pitching-up motions at low Reynolds number flows. Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations were conducted for 4%c 30,000 and 60,000. The pitches up from 0° to 25°angles attack dimensionless pitch rate [Formula: see text] 0.0398 0.0199. SST turbulence transition model was used account effect on LSBs’ development. LSBs are shown evolve their shape size during pitching motion. influence upper surface motion continues higher incidence comparison that under static conditions before developing fully detached flow. Vortex merging is observed rear part turbulent portion 30,000. At 60,000, changing LSB length similar steady cases, except delayed as increases. results show further insight relation performance airfoil.