Transition in Laminar Separation Bubbles: Freestream Turbulence, Roughness and Applications

Modern micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) face a significant challenge when operating in urban environments due to the high levels of freestream turbulence (FST) and low Reynolds numbers. The boundary layer developing over the fixed and rotary lifting surfaces of these MAVs is susceptible to separation and the formation of laminar separation bubbles (LSBs), which can compromise their performance and lead to an unstable and unsteady flow configuration. To address this challenge, research focus is on the effects of FST on the transition mechanisms of LSBs over fixed and rotating wings, as well as exploring roughness as a possible flow control strategy. The aim is to deepen understanding of the physical mechanisms governing the flow transition process using various experimental techniques, such as hotwire anemometry (HWA), infrared thermography (IRT), and linear stability analysis.

Bio Tomek Jaroslawski completed his BSc and MSc degrees at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, and went on to obtain his Ph.D. at ONERA in Toulouse, France. His research interests lie in the field of experimental fluid mechanics, with a specific emphasis on boundary layer transition and stability, turbulence, and insect aerodynamics. He has recently joined the Center of Turbulence Research as a postdoctoral researcher, working with Professor Beverley McKeon on investigating rough-walled turbulent boundary layer flows.