Factors Influencing Low Reynolds Number Aerodynamics
Because of the influence of flow separation and laminar-turbulent transition, the preferred airfoil shapes in the low Reynolds number regime are different from those
Figure 2.10. Streamlines and turbulent shear stress for the AoA = 11°. (a) experimental measurement by Rade – spiel et al. [135] and (b) numerical simulation with N = 8 by Lian and Shyy [117].
in the high Reynolds number regime. Furthermore, in addition to the Reynolds number, the airfoil camber, thickness, surface smoothness, free-stream unsteadiness, and aspect ratio all play important roles in determining the aerodynamic performance of a low Reynolds number flyer. These factors are discussed in this section.