Numerical analysis and optimization of boundary layer suction on airfoils

Abstract Numerical approach of hybrid laminar flow control (HLFC) is investigated for the suction hole with a width between 0.5 mm and 7 mm. The accuracy of Menter and Langtry's transition model applied for simulating the flow with boundary layer suction is validated. The experiment data are compared with the computational results. The solutions show that this transition model can predict the transition position with suction control accurately. A well designed laminar airfoil is selected in the present research. For suction control with a single hole, the physical mechanism of suction control, including the impact of suction coefficient and the width and position of the suction hole on control results, is analyzed. The single hole simulation results indicate that it is favorable for transition delay and drag reduction to increase the suction coefficient and set the hole position closer to the trailing edge properly. The modified radial basis function (RBF) neural network and the modified differential evolution algorithm are used to optimize the design for suction control with three holes. The design variables are suction coefficient, hole width, hole position and hole spacing. The optimization target is to obtain the minimum drag coefficient. After optimization, the transition delay can be up to 17% and the aerodynamic drag coefficient can decrease by 12.1%.