Roberts, L. S.Finnis, Mark V.Knowles, KevinLawson, Nicholas J.2017-08-232017-08-232017-07-21Roberts LS, Finnis MV, Knowles K, Lawson NJ. (2017) Forcing boundary-layer transition on an inverted airfoil in ground effect. Journal of Aircraft, Volume 54, Issue 6, November 2017, pp. 2165-21720021-8669http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/12369http://dx.doi.org/10.2514/1.C034304The influence of the laminar boundary-layer state on a wing operating in ground effect has been investigated using experiments with a model that provides two-dimensional flow. The effect of a boundary-layer trip placed at varying distances from the leading edge was observed at various incidences in terms of on-surface characteristics, including pressure measurements, flow visualization, and hot-film anemometry, and off-surface characteristics with velocity surveys below and behind the wing. The act of forcing transition led to downforce being reduced and drag increased, moreover, it altered almost all aspects of the wing’s aerodynamic characteristics, with the effect becoming greater as the trip was placed closer to the leading edge. These aspects include the replacement of a laminar separation bubble with trailing-edge separation, a thicker boundary layer, and a thicker wake with greater velocity deficit. The importance of considering laminar phenomena for wings operating in ground effect has been shown.Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 InternationalBoundary Layer SeparationAirfoilTrailing EdgesAdverse Pressure GradientAerodynamic CharacteristicsTwo Dimensional FlowGround Effect MachinesStress DistributionWind TunnelsStatic PressureArticle17519792