This image shows a smoke flow visualization of a two-dimensional airfoil.
This image is great because it shows 3 phases of a stall/ flow separation as the airfoil pitches back further and further. Additionally the well defined, high contrast smoke lines do a good job of showing relative compression and expansion (pressure regions) within different areas of the flow. Lastly this demonstration does an excellent job show the turbulence that is occurring in the separated flow region.
Schreck, S. & Robinson, Madison. (2007). Wind Turbine Blade Flow Fields and Prospects for Active Aerodynamic Control: Preprint. 10.1115/FEDSM2007-37651.
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Second – I’m impressed with how fine of streamlines they were able to create. Makes it very easy to see exactly where the flow detaches. Nice find!
Third prize
Being able to see three different phases of flow displayed is fascinating. The monochronatic coloration is perfect as it provides a great contrast in showing different regions of the flow.
Third Prize – The transition between the laminar and turbulent flow regimes creates a beautiful visualization of the flow over an airfoil. I love seeing the flow differences attributed to different angles of attack of the airfoil and how the lift physics are backed by the physical reality of the situation.
Third Prize – The Black and White format of this image composite creates high contrast that does an amazing job of highlighting of smoke flow on an airfoil.