Question

For a real flow over an airfoil, with Reynolds number in the laminar region as it starts, select the incorrect choice.

(a) Flow at trailing edge is laminar

(b) Flow is both turbulent and laminar at different places

(c) There is a transition region between leading and trailing edge

(d) Flow at trailing edge is turbulent

The question was asked in exam.

This key question is from Turbulent Flow topic in section Incompressible Flow over Airfoils of Aerodynamics

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) Flow at trailing edge is laminar

For explanation I would say: In actual cases, where we don’t have an ideal flow, no flow is fully laminar or turbulent. It is laminar as it starts and becomes turbulent near the trailing edge. It has a transition region where the transition from laminar to turbulent flow takes place.