Integral boundary layer analysis of vortex generator induced flow on a flat plate

Master thesis (2016)

Authors

Contributors

Department
Wind Energy (Aerospace Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2016 A.K. Nedumaran
Vortex generator Windenergy Flat plate Two-dimensional integral boundary layer relations Skin-friction coefficient Dissipation coefficient Effective slip velocity parameter
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Published Date

17-05-2016

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Department

Wind Energy

Abstract

Vortex Generators (VGs) are flow control devices commonly applied in wind turbine blades, among other applications. A significant advance in the design of wind turbine blades would be the integration of vortex generators in the aerofoil optimisation process. Currently, aerofoil optimisation relies on either computational fluid dynamics or viscous-inviscid solvers ( for instance XFOIL, RFOIL.). However, the latter tools lack a formulation for the effect of VGs. The purpose of this thesis is to get a step closer towards aerofoil optimisation process including VGs. A lag dissipation integral boundary-layer formulation is considered. Stereoscopic particle image velocimetry measurement and numerical simulation based on Menter's two-equation k-omega SST turbulence of counter-rotating VG configuration on a flat plate in turbulent flow regime is studied. Vortex Generator Induced Flow, VGIF exhibit quasi-uniform effect after twelve times the boundary layer thickness downstream of the device. An approach to modifying the effective slip velocity parameter to incorporate VGIF is proposed. Recommendations for direct wall shear stress and comprehensive drag measurements for VG induced flow are argued to validate the claim.