A Review of Simulations and Machine Learning Approaches for Flow Separation Analysis

Flow separation is a fundamental phenomenon in fluid mechanics governed by the Navier–Stokes equations, which are second-order partial differential equations (PDEs). This phenomenon significantly impacts aerodynamic performance in various applications across the aerospace sector, including micro air...

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Main Authors: Xueru Hao, Xiaodong He, Zhan Zhang, Juan Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Aerospace
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/12/3/238
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author Xueru Hao
Xiaodong He
Zhan Zhang
Juan Li
author_facet Xueru Hao
Xiaodong He
Zhan Zhang
Juan Li
author_sort Xueru Hao
collection DOAJ
description Flow separation is a fundamental phenomenon in fluid mechanics governed by the Navier–Stokes equations, which are second-order partial differential equations (PDEs). This phenomenon significantly impacts aerodynamic performance in various applications across the aerospace sector, including micro air vehicles (MAVs), advanced air mobility, and the wind energy industry. Its complexity arises from its nonlinear, multidimensional nature, and is further influenced by operational and geometrical parameters beyond Reynolds number (Re), making accurate prediction a persistent challenge. Traditional models often struggle to capture the intricacies of separated flows, requiring advanced simulation and prediction techniques. This review provides a comprehensive overview of strategies for enhancing aerodynamic design by improving the understanding and prediction of flow separation. It highlights recent advancements in simulation and machine learning (ML) methods, which utilize flow field databases and data assimilation techniques. Future directions, including physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) and hybrid frameworks, are also discussed to improve flow separation prediction and control further.
format Article
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institution Kabale University
issn 2226-4310
language English
publishDate 2025-03-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series Aerospace
spelling doaj-art-05fe8b709ead4efaa02fbd7067423ce22025-08-20T03:40:41ZengMDPI AGAerospace2226-43102025-03-0112323810.3390/aerospace12030238A Review of Simulations and Machine Learning Approaches for Flow Separation AnalysisXueru Hao0Xiaodong He1Zhan Zhang2Juan Li3Department of Engineering, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UKIndependent Researcher, Beijing 100176, ChinaDepartment of Engineering, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UKDepartment of Engineering, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UKFlow separation is a fundamental phenomenon in fluid mechanics governed by the Navier–Stokes equations, which are second-order partial differential equations (PDEs). This phenomenon significantly impacts aerodynamic performance in various applications across the aerospace sector, including micro air vehicles (MAVs), advanced air mobility, and the wind energy industry. Its complexity arises from its nonlinear, multidimensional nature, and is further influenced by operational and geometrical parameters beyond Reynolds number (Re), making accurate prediction a persistent challenge. Traditional models often struggle to capture the intricacies of separated flows, requiring advanced simulation and prediction techniques. This review provides a comprehensive overview of strategies for enhancing aerodynamic design by improving the understanding and prediction of flow separation. It highlights recent advancements in simulation and machine learning (ML) methods, which utilize flow field databases and data assimilation techniques. Future directions, including physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) and hybrid frameworks, are also discussed to improve flow separation prediction and control further.https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/12/3/238flow separationadvanced simulationsmachine learningnonlinearmultidimensional
spellingShingle Xueru Hao
Xiaodong He
Zhan Zhang
Juan Li
A Review of Simulations and Machine Learning Approaches for Flow Separation Analysis
Aerospace
flow separation
advanced simulations
machine learning
nonlinear
multidimensional
title A Review of Simulations and Machine Learning Approaches for Flow Separation Analysis
title_full A Review of Simulations and Machine Learning Approaches for Flow Separation Analysis
title_fullStr A Review of Simulations and Machine Learning Approaches for Flow Separation Analysis
title_full_unstemmed A Review of Simulations and Machine Learning Approaches for Flow Separation Analysis
title_short A Review of Simulations and Machine Learning Approaches for Flow Separation Analysis
title_sort review of simulations and machine learning approaches for flow separation analysis
topic flow separation
advanced simulations
machine learning
nonlinear
multidimensional
url https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/12/3/238
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