Direct numerical simulation of separated Low-Reynolds number flows around an Eppler 387 airfoil

Low Reynolds number aerodynamics is important for various applications including micro-aerial vehicles, sailplanes, leading edge control devices, high-altitude unmanned vehicles, wind turbines and propellers. These flows are generally characterized by the presence of laminar separation bubbles. These bubbles are generally unsteady and have a significant effect on the overall resulting aerodynamic forces. In this study, the time- dependent unsteady calculations of low Reynolds number flows are carried out over an Eppler 387 airfoil in both two- and three-dimensions. Various instantaneous and time-averaged aerodynamic parameters including pressure, lift and drag coefficients are calculated in each case and compared with the available experimental data. An observed anomaly in the pressure coefficient around the location of the separation bubble in two-dimensional simulations is attributed to the lack of spanwise flow due to three-dimensional instabilities.