Thermal contraction of the boundary layer from progressive cooling and its possible use as active flow control technique

Abstract

In this work, consideration is given to thermal contraction of the boundary layer from the progressive cooling of the airfoil and its possible technological use as an active flow control technique. Here, it is thought that if the airfoil is progressively cooled from the leading-edge toward the trailing-edge the increase in density will translate into a progressive contraction of the boundary layer which eventually could be used as technique for either re-attachment or delay detachment of the boundary layer. Utilizing the von Karman momentum integral an analytical expression for the reduction of the thickness of the boundary layer by thermal contraction was derived which predicts contractions around 10 percent for temperatures drops around 50° K. Experimental measurements made on a heated flat plate with controlled thermal gradient agree with the theoretical prediction within a 10 per cent. The possibility of prompt contraction of the boundary layer by condensation (of the air or its moisture content) if the temperature drops below the subcooling temperature, is an open question which should be addressed in future research

Postprint (author's final draft)