Comparison of three-dimensional panel methods with strip boundary-layer simulations to experiment

Abstract

Several three dimensional surface panel methods coupled on a streamwise strip basis to two dimensional boundary layer methods were compared to experimental data. Several different boundary layer simulations were investigated. Comparable boundary layer effects which converge to the expected two dimensional result wind increasing aspect ratio were indicated by either a transpiration or camber line displacement simulation. The method was applied to several varied configurations. The lift predictions agreed well with an approximate method based on correcting the inviscid lift using the two dimensional section viscous characteristics. The wing pressures and the effect of the boundary layer on the wing pressures were predicted accurately.