Controlling flow separation using traveling wave actuation

Controlling flow separation using traveling wave actuation Amir Akbarzadeh, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University Borazjani Iman, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University DOI: Large-eddy simulation of flow over a NACA18 airfoil at an angle of attack of 15 degrees is performed. The fully separated flow on the suction side reattaches by employing a surface morphing in the form of bio-inspired low-amplitude traveling wave actuations. The simulations show 44% lift increase compared to the unactuated airfoil, and reveal that the traveling wave actuations are more effective than other types of actuations, including the standing waves. See other videos from the 2019 Gallery of Fluid Motion: