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A simple boundary-layer transition detection method using mean static pressure measurements

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Abstract

A simple method for detecting boundary-layer transition using only mean static pressure port data is presented. The method can be applied to many existing models with pressure taps and only requires that a fine angle of attack sweep be performed. A small but abrupt change in the static pressure is visible when the transition front passes over the pressure tap. Results from a recent Juncture Flow test entry are used to illustrate the technique. Infrared thermography measurements of the transition front compare very well to the transition locations obtained from the static pressure ports. Some differences in behavior occur depending on the dominant transition mechanism. While the technique is somewhat qualitative, it can be an excellent tool for estimating the transition location when other tools are not readily available. Given the simplicity of the technique, and the fact that many wind-tunnel models are already designed with numerous static pressure taps, this method can be applied with very little overhead.

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Data availability

The data used for this study are in the process of being made available on the NASA Langley Turbulence Modeling Resource Website (Rumsey 2022).

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Funding

The authors declare that they have no funding to disclose.

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Author notes

  1. Judith Hannon, Andrew Leidy, and Michael Kegerise have contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Flow Physics and Control Branch, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, 23681, USA

    Jenna Eppink, Judith Hannon, Andrew Leidy & Michael Kegerise

Authors
  1. Jenna Eppink
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  2. Judith Hannon
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  3. Andrew Leidy
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  4. Michael Kegerise
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Contributions

JE came up with the idea and wrote the manuscript. JH, AL, and MK all participated in the experiment. JH performed the post-processing of the static pressure data. AL performed the post-processing of the IR transition front data. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Jenna Eppink.

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Eppink, J., Hannon, J., Leidy, A. et al. A simple boundary-layer transition detection method using mean static pressure measurements. Exp Fluids 64, 87 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-023-03627-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-023-03627-6

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