Transition prediction and sensitivity analysis for a natural laminar flow wing glove flight experiment

Natural laminar flow technology can significantly reduce aircraft aerodynamic drag and has excellent technical appeal for transport development with high efficiency. Accurately efficiently predicting the laminar-to-turbulent transition revealing maintenance mechanism of in a aircraft’s flight environment are significant developing natural wings. In this research, we carry out experiments different Reynolds numbers angles attack. The critical N-factor is calibrated as 9.0 using experimental data linear stability theory from statistical perspective, which makes sure that relative error location within 5%. We then implement simplified eN prediction method similar accuracy compared theory. compute sensitivity information an adjoint-based method, automatic differentiation technique (ADjoint). impact pressure distributions on TS waves analyzed information. Through analysis, find that: favorable gradients not only suppress but also decrease their to numbers; there exist three special regions very sensitive distribution, decreases local gradient increases. proposed analysis enables robust wings design.