High-Lift Aerodynamic Computations with One- and Two-Equation Turbulence Models

The Spalart-Allmaras one-equation turbulence model and the Menter two-equation turbulence model are assessed for Navier-Stokes computations of high-lift aerodynamic flows, including cases with significant regions of separated flow. Cases considered include 1) separated flow over a single-element airfoil at high lift, 2) fully attached flows over the NLR 7301 airfoil and flap, and 3) separated flow over the GA(W)-1 airfoil and flap. For the single-element case, the Menter model provides better agreement with the experimental pressure distribution and velocity profiles. For the NLR 7301 airfoil and flap, both turbulence models provide excellent agreement with experimental pressures and skin-friction data. Velocity profiles are generally well predicted except in some parts of wakes. Turbulent shear stresses are not always well predicted. The predictions of the Spalart-Allmaras model are generally superior for this case, especially when boundary-layer confluence is important.