Capability of RANS simulation to predict laminar separation bubble on the E216 airfoil

Laminar separation bubble (LSB) is an aerodynamic phenomenon often observed over airfoil under low Reynolds number condition. In the present work, numerical simulation is carried out on the E216 airfoil at Reynolds number of 100,000 and various angle of attack 0 degrees-14 degrees to assess its aerodynamic performance. The prime motivation of the work is to predict the handling capacity of RANS turbulence model in the prediction of LSB. The Xfoil results are compared at the same working condition for the validation. The lift coefficient, Cl increases with increase in AOA upto maximum value of 1.46 at AOA of 12 degrees with average deviation of 6.2% from Xfoil predictions. The drag coefficient, Cd, at 12 degrees angle of attack is 0.0588 with average deviation of 5.13% from Xfoil value. Presence of pressure plateau in coefficient of pressure plot clearly depicts the formation of the LSB. The Transition RANS model could successfully predict the LSB phenomenon. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Developments in Materials, Manufacturing and Energy Engineering.