Computational aeroelastic simulations of self-sustained pitch oscillations of a NACA0012 at transitional Reynolds numbers

The phenomenon of low amplitude self-sustained pitch oscillations in the transitional Reynolds number regime is studied numerically through unsteady, two-dimensional aeroelastic simulations. Based on the experimental data, simulations have been limited in the Reynolds number range 5.0×104

► Aeroelastic LCOs of a NACA0012 at transitional Re are simulated with a URANS FSI code.
► The airfoil oscillates in pitch with small amplitude.
► Laminar boundary layer separation plays a key role in initiating the LCOs.
► Turbulence inhibits the LCOs.
► von Kármán vortex shedding has no impact on the LCOs.