Assessment of Boundary Layer Transition Prediction Methods for Rotating Blades

Boundary-layer-transition computations are performed using the in-house finite-volume solvers elsA by ONERA and TAU by DLR. Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations, using the Langtry-Menter model as well as semiempirical transition criteria, are presented using both solvers for a rotor in climb. The numerical results are compared to temperature-sensitive paint experiments conducted at DLR's rotor test facility. Concerning the Langtry-Menter computation, transition occurs with both solvers due to laminar separation close to the trailing edge, further downstream than seen in the experiment. The transition locations using AHD semi-empirical transition criterion are in good agreement along the entire span in all three considered test cases. In addition, numerical results are presented for a test case with cyclic pitch. These unsteady boundary-layer transition computations are carried out using the semi-empirical transition criteria approach of DLR-TAU. In accordance with the static test cases, the results are promising, as long as the laminar-separation criterion is deactivated