STABILITY OF AIR-FLOW PAST THIN LIQUID-FILMS ON AIRFOILS

The stability of thin liquid films on airfoils is studied using high R eynolds number (Re) theory, for small disturbances. Two formulae, in c losed form, for the linear growth rate and phase velocity of the distu rbances in terms of the wavenumber and other relevant parameters are o btained from the analysis. Some parametric results are given. Numerica l verification of these formulae is carried out by direct numerical in tegration of the ensuing set of nonlinear governing equations. Some pr eliminary applications are presented and comparisons with other availa ble known results, either theoretical or experimental, are also provid ed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.