Small-Scale Atmospheric Turbulence and Its Impact on Laminar-to-Turbulent Transition

Using flight measurements conducted between altitudes of 700 and 3000 m, this work characterizes atmospheric turbulence investigates the effects an increase in level on laminar–turbulent transition taking place pressure side a laminar airfoil. Flight conditions ranging from calm to moderately turbulent natural driven by Tollmien–Schlichting waves are considered. The inflow first characterized reported using single two-point statistics. Moreover, it is shown how characteristic parameters can be estimated intensity. Then, sensitivity location investigated. results show low level, when latter not associated with significant variations gradient. Similar investigations also wind tunnel where increased active grid change observed increasing level. differences response freestream postulated attributable probability density distributions velocity fluctuations.