Study of the effect of the Reynolds number on the instability of the boundary layer containing surface irregularities

• Grant number: 24/21737-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Aerospace Engineering - Aerodynamics
• Principal Investigator: Marcello Augusto Faraco de Medeiros
• Grantee: Rafael Estorniolo
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Nowadays, with an increasing focus on environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness, it has become essential to understand the impact of surface irregularities on the boundary layer transition.This is particularly important when considering the increase in friction drag due to turbulent boundary layers, which can significantly affect the performance and efficiency of aerodynamic surfaces.Thus, this research project presents an experimental investigation that aims to establish a relationship between the impact of the Reynolds number on the growth of boundary layer instabilities, which can lead to the transition to turbulence on surfaces that have surface irregularities, whether they are bumps or gaps.The experiments will be carried out in the Low Acoustic Noise and Turbulence Wind Tunnel at the University of São Paulo (LANT - EESC/USP).The model used is a flat plate with 2.32 m of chord and an insert that forms a bounce or a cavity.The results of this study have applications for the design of aerodynamic surfaces. Therefore, this study contributes to the development of more efficient and sustainable solutions for various engineering applications, making it an important step in the field of aerodynamics.