A comparison study on transition characteristics of NLF forward-swept-wing and aft-swept-wing

Zhen Zhu, Wen Ping Song, Zhong Hua Han, Jian Hua Xu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The forward-swept-wing (FSW) is a favorable concept in natural laminar flow (NLF) wing design. It has smaller leading edge swept angle λ LE than that of aft-swept-wing (ASW), which may avoid leading edge transition induced by cross flow (CF) instability. However, there are still some key technological issues, such as the characteristics of boundary layer transition in transonic flow, aerodynamic performances and the differences of CF instability between FSW and ASW, are not clear. A comparison study on transition characteristics, boundary layer stability and aerodynamic performances of NLF FSW and ASW is carried out. A three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) solver coupled with a dual e N transition prediction method based on linear stability theory (LST) is used. Fixed wave angle method and fixed wave number method are employed for Tollmien-Schlichting (TS) instability and cross-flow instability, respectively. The results show that, 1). With the same λ LE , the FSW in this paper has a smaller CF instability and larger area of laminar flow than that of ASW. 2). Compared with ASW, the FSW has larger swept angle at about 50%-60% chord where shock wave may occur, which leads to much weaker shock wave. 3). C L /C D of the FSW is 13.7% larger than that of ASW. It can be concluded that FSW has more advantages in NLF supercritical wing design.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication31st Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, ICAS 2018
PublisherInternational Council of the Aeronautical Sciences
ISBN (Electronic)9783932182884
StatePublished - 2018
Event31st Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, ICAS 2018 - Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Duration: 9 Sep 201814 Sep 2018

Publication series

Name31st Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, ICAS 2018

Conference

Conference31st Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, ICAS 2018
Country/TerritoryBrazil
CityBelo Horizonte
Period9/09/1814/09/18

Keywords

  • Cross flow instability
  • E method
  • Forward-swept wing
  • Natural laminar flow
  • Transition prediction

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