A computationally efficient modelling of laminar separation bubbles

In order to predict the aerodynamic characteristics of airfoils operating at low Reynolds numbers, it is necessary to accurately account for the effects of laminar (transitional) separation bubbles. Generally, the greatest difficulty comes about when attempting to determine the increase in profile drag that results from the presence of separation bubbles. While a number of empirically based separation bubble models have been introduced in the past, the majority assume that the bubble development is fully predictable from upstream conditions. One way of accounting for laminar separation bubbles in airfoil design is the bubble analog used in the design and analysis program of Eppler and Somers. A locally interactive separation bubble model was developed and incorporated into the Eppler and Somers program. Although unable to account for strong interactions such as the large reduction in suction peak sometimes caused by leading edge bubbles, it is able to predict the increase in drag and the local alteration of the airfoil pressure distribution that is caused by bubbles occurring in the operational range which is of most interest.