Characteristic length scales for vortex detachment on plunging profiles with varying leading-edge geometry

Experiments on leading-edge vortex (LEV) growth and detachment from a plunging profile have been conducted in a free-surface water tunnel. Direct-force and velocity-field measurements have been performed at a Reynolds number of Re = 10,000, a reduced frequency of k = 0.25, and a Strouhal number of St = 0.16, for three varying leading-edge geometries. The leading-edge shape is shown to influence the shear layer feeding the LEV, and thus to some extent the development of the LEV and associated flow topology. This effect in turn influences the arrival time of the rear (LEV) stagnation point at the trailing edge, which, once breached, constitutes a detachment of the LEV. It is found that despite minor phase changes in LEV detachment through leading-edge shape, the position of the trailing edge (chord length) should be chosen as the characteristic length scale for the vortex separation process.