Strömungsabtrennung

Strömungsabriss, also known as flow separation or stall, is a phenomenon in fluid dynamics where the boundary layer detaches from the surface of an object. This typically occurs when a fluid flows over a curved surface or an obstacle, and the pressure gradient becomes adverse, meaning the pressure increases in the direction of flow.

When the fluid encounters an adverse pressure gradient, the flow within the boundary layer loses momentum. If this loss of momentum is significant enough, the flow can no longer follow the contour of the surface and separates from it, forming a region of recirculating, turbulent flow behind the point of separation.

Strömungsabriss has significant consequences, particularly for aerodynamic surfaces like wings. In an aircraft wing, flow separation leads to a dramatic decrease in lift and a sharp increase in drag. This is the principle behind a stall, which can be dangerous if not recovered from. The angle at which this separation occurs is known as the critical angle of attack.

Beyond aerodynamics, strömungsabriss is relevant in many other fields. It can affect the performance of turbines, pumps, and propellers, and is a factor in the design of vehicles to minimize drag. Understanding and controlling strömungsabriss is crucial for optimizing the efficiency and performance of many engineering applications involving fluid flow.