Vortex dynamics impact on the wake flow of a marine rudder with leading-edge tubercles

Abstract The impact of two tubercle leading-edge (TLE) modifications on the turbulent wake a reference marine rudder at Reynolds number 2.26 × 10 6 was analysed numerically using Detached Eddy Simulations (DES). This paper studies counter-rotating vortex pair formation around TLE and their structures behind to find out if interaction can accelerate tip dissipation. According results, tubercles enhanced lift for angles attack (AOA) 10º above, but cost drag penalty which reduced rudders’ lift-to-drag ratio. distinctive stream-wise pairs occurred tubercles, then interacted with dominant vortex. Due inherent spanwise flow component finite-span lifting surfaces were generated unequal strength soon merged into singular vortices co-rotating facilitated compartmentalisation over suction side broke up trailing-edge sheet confined separation surface as AOA increased. closer generation in area minimised initial strength. Large elements vorticity formed localised stall cells rudders that downstream, introducing elliptical instabilities further weakening changing its trajectory.