Numerical analysis of a leading edge tubercle hydrofoil in turbulent regime

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical performance evaluation of the leading edge tubercles hydrofoil with particular focus on a fully turbulent flow regime. Efforts were focused on the setting up of an appropriate numerical approach required for an in-depth analysis of this phenomenon, being able to predict the main flow features and the hydrodynamic performance of the foil when operating at high Reynolds numbers. The numerical analysis was conducted using an improved delayed detached eddy simulation for Reynolds numbers corresponding to the transitional and fully turbulent flow regimes at different angles of attack for the pre-stall and post-stall regimes. The results show that tubercles operating in turbulent flow improve the hydrodynamic performance of the foil when compared to a transitional flow regime. Flow separation was identified behind the tubercle troughs, but was significantly reduced when operating in a turbulent regime and for which we have identified the main flow mechanisms. This finding confirms that the tubercle effect identified in a transitional regime is not lost in a turbulent flow. Furthermore, when the hydrofoil operates in the turbulent flow regime, the transition to a turbulent regime takes place further upstream. This phenomenon suppresses a formation of a laminar separation bubble and therefore the hydrofoil exhibits a superior hydrodynamic performance when compared to the same foil in the transitional regime.