Low-Reynolds number flow computation for eppler 387 wing using hybrid DES/transition model

Detached eddy simulations were successfully applied to assess fully-turbulent external flows. DES exploits the advantages of RANS modeling inside of the boundary layer and large eddy simulation outside of the turbulent boundary layer. The DES results have generally shown excellent solutions for unsteady wake flows, but not for transitional flows because DES is fundamentally based on a fully turbulent assumption. A hybrid model that combines the DES and gamma-Re-theta transition models is hereby proposed to simulate both the unsteady wake and the laminar/turbulent transition inside of the boundary layer. The numerical results provided by the simulation are compared to experimental data obtained from an Eppler 387 airfoil. The results indicate that the hybrid DES/Transition model predicts both strong laminar/turbulent transition phenomena including the laminar separation bubble and flow separation at high angles of attack.