Transition prediction in infinite swept wings using Navier–Stokes computations and linear stability theory

The coupling of Navier–Stokes computations with eN method for transition prediction in infinite swept wings is demonstrated. In the present paper, results are presented illustrating the successful coupling of these methods for a 45° swept wing operating at four different Reynolds numbers. Moreover, the main issues involved in the generation of adapted meshes and in the computation of the mean flow by a Navier–Stokes method are documented. In all studied cases, the subsequent linear stability analysis of the mean flow has shown that the transition process was dominated by cross-flow instability. The transition prediction results have been validated against experimental transition data from the literature.