Analysis of Curvature Effects on Boundary Layer Separation and Turbulence Model Accuracy for Circulation Control Applications

This set of analyses involves flow separation in high curvature regions with special attention to circulation control implementations. Blown flaps of various shapes designed by Rory Golden for use on the AMELIA, or Advanced Model for Extreme Lift and Improved Aeroacoustics, short takeoff vehicle have exhibited flow separation at locations where flap curvature changes. Investigating this problem, its causes, and potential solutions, I have concluded that the separation is equally a function of the flow simulation turbulence model used, and the geometry of the flap itself. Using Gambit version 11.0.1 for grid generation and Fluent version 6.3.26 for CFD calculations, I have investigated both factors, comparing turbulence models to the experimental data of Monson2 to observe their accuracy in high curvature regions, and designed a set of flap geometries which I subjected to high circulation conditions that exhibit the Coanda effect to compare separation tendencies