Conclusions and Outlook

Abstract

LESFOIL set out to answer the question as to whether Large Eddy Simulation is, at present, a credible — or, indeed, superior — alternative to RANS modelling as a predictive approach to separated aerodynamic flows around streamlined bodies. It did so principally by reference to a particular single-element airfoil, with high incidence provoking a modest region of separation on the rear portion of the suction side. While this geometry is clearly very simple in terms of aeronautical practice, it is arguable that the focus adopted has not been overly restrictive, in so far as it has allowed important flow characteristics to be investigated which are encountered in aeronautical practice. The only major qualification relates to statistically three-dimensional features associated with spanwise mean motion which were absent in the present study.