Aspects of Source-Term Modeling for Vortex-Generator Induced Flows

Vortex generators (VGs) are awidespread means of passive flowcontrol, capable of yielding significant performance improvements to lift-generating surfaces (e.g. wind-turbine blades and airplane wings), by delaying boundary-layer separation. These small vanetype structures, which are typically arranged in arrays, trigger the formation of small vortices in the boundary layer. The flow circulation induced by these vortices causes the near-wall flow to be re-energized, thereby reducing the susceptibility of the boundary layer to separate from the surface.