A Comparison of the Turbulent Boundary-Layer Growth on an Unswept and a Swept Wing
Abstract
In order to check the applicability of simple sweep theory to the turbulent boundary-layer growth on swept wings, an experimental investigation was undertaken in which measurements were made of the turbulent boundary layer of a two-dimensional unswept wing and a comparable wing swept 45 deg. The tests were conducted at a Reynolds number of about 4 million based on the component of velocity normal to the leading edge. The experimental results indicate the applicability of simple sweep theory for determining turbulent boundary-layer growth on the swept wing for a lift coefficient of zero. For the wings at moderate lift coefficients, the growth of the boundary-layer component normal to the leading edge was more rapid on the swept wing than on the unswept wing. This difference, however, is believed to be primarily the result of differences in the surface conditions of the two models. Support is given to this belief by the fact that the growth of the momentum thickness on the swept wing calculated in accordance with simple sweep theory by using the component of flow normal to the leading edge was in good agreement with the measured growth.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1951
- Accession Number
- ADA380380
Entities
People
- John M. Altman
- Nora-lee F. Hayter
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration