Computational investigation of low-Reynolds-number unsteady flows past NACA 0012
Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, vol.26, no.1, pp.32-47, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 26 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1504/pcfd.2026.151116
- Journal Name: Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC, MathSciNet, zbMATH
- Page Numbers: pp.32-47
- Keywords: computational fluid dynamics, low Reynolds number, NACA 0012, unsteady aerodynamics
- Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The aerodynamic characteristics of airfoils are significantly governed by the Reynolds number, particularly in the low Reynolds number regime (Re < 1 × 105), where viscous forces predominate over inertial forces, promoting early boundary layer separation and transition to turbulence. This study conducts two-dimensional unsteady numerical simulations on a NACA 0012 airfoil across Reynolds numbers ranging from 4 × 104 to 1 × 105, with the angle of attack varied incrementally from 0° to 20°. The results reveal that lower Reynolds numbers and higher angles of attack induce premature flow separation, leading to a diminished lift coefficient and an increased drag coefficient due to the altered separation point dynamics.