Parametric study of low-profile vortex generators

Abstract

Vortex generators (VGs) are flow control devices employed to avoid or delay flow separation. In most cases, the VG is calculated with the same height as the boundary layer (BL) thickness at the device position. However, these so-called conventional VGs may produce overload drag in some applications. The low-profile VGs can decrease the residual drag linked to this kind of passive flow control actuators. The main goal of the present work is to investigate the trajectory and size of the primary vortex produced by low-profile VGs on a flat plate with a height to length ratio of ½ and a vane incident angle of 18.5°. Hence, numerical simulations have been performed using Navier–Stokes equations at Re = 1350 based on the local boundary layer thickness where the VG was placed. Additionally, a prediction model has been developed to describe the progression of the vortex size behind the passive vanes.