We conducted a numerical investigation of the effects of propeller configuration on the flow around a wing, with particular emphasis on laminar separation bubbles under low Reynolds number conditions. An actuator disk model was employed, and a comparative analysis was performed across four cases with varying propeller axis positions. Specifically, we examined the formation, bursting, and reattachment of laminar separation bubbles, as well as the associated friction coefficient, turbulent kinetic energy, and Reynolds stress. The results demonstrate that the propeller-induced flow substantially alters the separation and transition behavior on both the upper and lower wing surfaces. In particular, upward displacement of the propeller axis intensified the transition process by increasing the local flow velocity, which in turn enhanced turbulent kinetic energy and negative Reynolds stress. These changes were related to modifications in the reattachment characteristics of the separated flow. Furthermore, the local lift and drag coefficients were influenced by both the axial and swirling components of the induced flow, resulting in asymmetric aerodynamic performance between the upper and lower surfaces.
Taniguchi et al. (Wed,) studied this question.