Numerical simulation of flow behind vortex generators

Abstract

In this study, flow behind rectangular vane type vortex generators mounted on a flat plate, is numerically simulated using the immersed boundary (IB) method. In the present work, the direct forcing IB method is employed because of its simplicity and high efficiency. Vortex generators of two different heights are numerically investigated. The height of vanes in the first case is close to the definition of submerged/lowprofile vortex generators while the other case is closer to the definition of a conventional vortex generator. The resultant highly three-dimensional flow and its transition to turbulence have been studied. Counterrotating vortices generated by these passive rectangular vortex generators are characterized. Streamwise evolution of non-dimensionalised maximum values of vorticity, vortex strength, streamwise velocity and wall-normal velocity are studied. The simulations show that the IB method in conjunction with DNS effectively simulates the time-dependent flow behind an array of passive vortex generators placed in an initially laminar boundary layer.