Vortex surface method: Some numerical problems of the potential calculation

Abstract

The singularities method is used to analyze the flow around an isolated profile or through a plane cascade. In this paper, a numerical study has been developed in order to discuss the accuracy of solutions. The aims of this study are summarized as follows: (1) To expose the elements that influence the method-precision in the geometrical profile definition, trailing-edge geometry, smoothing problems, number of discretization points, precision of calculation, etc.; (2) To provide an accurate solution for these different problems. For example, some profiles, obtained by the Joukowski transformation, present, in spite of an analytical definition, a crossing of the suction and pressure sides at the trailing edge. This crossing causes a serious error in the velocity field computation. A new procedure to solve this problem is presented. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.