Journal article 6 views
Flow separation and control on a 35% thick wind turbine airfoil: experiments, simulations and data driven analysis
,
Rishikesh Karande,
Ben Wood,
Iain Dinwoodie ,
Ian Masters ,
Magnus Harrold,
George Papadakis
Aerospace Science and Technology, Volume: 176, Start page: 112639
Swansea University Authors:
Marinos Manolesos, Yunus Celik, Ian Masters
Full text not available from this repository: check for access using links below.
DOI (Published version): 10.1016/j.ast.2026.112639
Abstract
Modern wind turbine blades increasingly use very thick airfoil profiles, which are highly susceptible to flow separation. This separation can significantly reduce aerodynamic performance and cause unstable loading. A common method of controlling such flow behaviour is the use of passive vortex gener...
| Published in: | Aerospace Science and Technology |
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| ISSN: | 1270-9638 |
| Published: |
Elsevier BV
2026
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa72073 |
| Abstract: |
Modern wind turbine blades increasingly use very thick airfoil profiles, which are highly susceptible to flow separation. This separation can significantly reduce aerodynamic performance and cause unstable loading. A common method of controlling such flow behaviour is the use of passive vortex generators (VGs). However, due to the inherently three-dimensional (3D) and unsteady nature of the separated flow, whether or not VGs are present, accurate modelling remains difficult and understudied. This study explores the complexity of 3D separated flows over thick wind turbine airfoils and emphasizes the need for advanced analysis methods suited to real-world engineering applications. Specifically, we examine the flow over a 35%-thick DU00-W2–350 airfoil, both with and without VGs, using wind tunnel experiments, Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes simulations, and data-driven techniques. We evaluate load asymmetry, pressure distribution, and instability metrics, applying Hidden Markov Models to identify and characterize unsteady flow regimes. Our results show that VGs effectively suppress unstable loading when installed on both sides of the airfoil. Furthermore, 3D full-span CFD models closely match experimental data, while more economical 3D-slice models capture general trends well. Based on the findings of this study, we recommend against relying solely on time-averaged quantities in cases of 3D flow separation. |
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| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the UK & Welsh governments through the Swansea Bay City Deal. |
| Start Page: |
112639 |