A transition model for swept wing flows

Abstract

An approach developed earlier by the authors for determining transition onset resulting from instability of Tollmien-Schl ichting waves is extended to crossflow instabilities. In this approach, a two-equation model similar to that used in turbulent flows is employed. The theory takes into consideration the role of two major environmental influences: turbulence intensity and surface roughness. Comparisons with data for an infinite swept wing and an infinite swept plate under the influence of a favorable pressure gradient shows excellent agreement with experiment. Calculations employed a boundary layer code; as a result, computational costs are minimal.