Effect of Reduced Frequency on the Boundary Layer of a Plunging Airfoil

This investigation addresses the boundary layer study of a plunging airfoil. It specifically concerns the effect of reduced frequency on transition and separation/reattachment of the unsteady boundary layer. The wind tunnel measurements were conducted using multiple hot-film sensors, pressure transducers and a boundary-layer rake, at Reynolds numbers of 0.42 to 0.84 million, and over reduced frequencies from 0.05 to 0.11. It was observed the boundary layer transition occurs by a laminar separation bubble. The unsteady laminar separation is promoted (delayed) by the increase of the reduced frequency in upstroke (downstroke) portion of the equivalent angle of attack.