Computational investigation of low-Reynolds-number unsteady flows past NACA 0012
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.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Fluid Dynamics and Turbulent Flows
Aerodynamics and Acoustics in Jet Flows
Hydrology and Sediment Transport Processes
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics An International Journal
- Publisher
- Inderscience Publishers
- Volume
- 26
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 32–47
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN