On the Physics and Kinematics of Vortex Motion in the Downstream of a Long-Span Wing with High-Lift Devices

Abstract

Vortical flows, source flows and spiraling flows are very common phenomena in fluid dynamics, as are frequently observed in the field of aerodynamics or atmospheric disturbances. In the present study some analysis is taken up at first on the details of the flow quantities in the core region of the vortical flows, it being the essential part of the vortex, while the surrounding outer region, as accompanying field, retains its usual potential flow character. In case of lifting wings vortex formation at the wing- and flap-edges is a common feature. When long-span wings with high-devices in the landing phase are concerned, they give rise to strong multiple vortices. It is observed that the wing-tip vortex spirals around the stronger flap-edge vortex, with continual decrease of the radial distance between them. Hence, it is essential to analyse the physics and kinematics of such vortex motion. Both experimental field data and numerical field solutions of such flows are available to compare with the theoretical findings. Based on the causalities of the vortex motion one can work out measures to attenuate such flows in the downstream of the wing.