Fluid dynamics of airfoils with moving surface boundary-layer control

Effectiveness of the moving surface boundary layer control is assessed with reference to a symmetrical Joukowsky airfoil modified with a leading-edge rotating cylinder. Results of the test program and the numerical models suggest the following: 1) The surface singularity method is essential in modeling the complicated flow. With the inclusion of the boundary-layer correction scheme, it becomes an effective tool for obtaining useful information concerning moving surface boundary-layer control. 2) The concept of moving surface boundary-layer control appears quite promising. The tests showed a significant improvement in maximum lift and stall characteristics. With cylinder rotation, the flow never separated completely from the upper surface for angles of attack as high as 48 deg.