Navier-Stokes analysis of the flow about a flap edge

The current study computationally examines one of the principal three-dimen sional features of the flow over a high-lift system, the now associated wit h a flap edge. Structured, overset grids were used in conjunction with an i ncompressible Navier-Stokes solver to compute the flow over a two-element h igh-lift configuration. The computations were run in a fully turbulent mode using the one-equation Baldwin-Barth model. Specific emphasis was given to the details of the now in the vicinity of the flap edge, and so the geomet ry was simplified to isolate this region. The geometry consisted of an unsw ept wing, which spanned a wind-tunnel test section, equipped with a single- element flap. Two flap configurations were computed: a full-span and a half -span Fowler flap. The chord-based Reynolds number was 3.7 x 10(6) for all eases. The results for the full-span flap agreed with two-dimensional exper imental results and verified the method. Grid topologies and related issues for the had-span flap geometry are discussed. Results of the half-span fla p case are compared with three-dimensional experimental results, with empha sis on the how features associated with the nap edge. The results show the effect of the vortex created by the flap edge, including the impact on flow separation and spanwise Lift distribution.