International Journal of Multiphase Flow, Vol.21, No.4, 639-648, 1995
A Lagrangian-Eulerian Scheme for Flow Around an Airfoil in Rain
In the interest of assessing airfoil performance in rain, a Lagrangian particle tracking algorithm for a general body-fitted co-ordinate system has been developed and linked with a thin layer incompressible Navier-Stokes code. Non-deforming spherical particles are tracked through the two-dimensional, incompressible air how field surrounding a NACA 64-210 airfoil section. Each tracked particle represents a distribution of raindrops. Impacts on the airfoil surface and the resulting splashback are modeled, and the steady state fluid field and droplet distribution are determined utilizing an iterative, two-way momentum coupled approach. Details of the splashback effect on the boundary layer are examined. A 1-2 degrees rain-induced decrease in stall angle of attack is predicted.
Keywords:MODEL