Prediction of Transition in the Boundary Layer on an Aerofoil

Abstract

Transition to turbulence in the boundary layer on an aerofoil may occur in several different ways, not the least important of which is by bubble separation of the laminar layer. Thus in establishing an empirical criterion for the limit of existence of a laminar boundary layer the necessary parameters must be able to describe separation and instability, as well as being physically reasonable and simple to calculate and use.