Multi-Model Ensemble Wake Vortex Prediction

Abstract

As a response to lift, a complex ow pattern is shed from the wings of an aircraft that evolves into a pair of counter-rotating vortices. Their behavior is strongly in uenced by the atmosphere and further underlies a complex interaction with the ground. Due to the rolling momentum that the vortices may induce and the forces that they can exert they pose a potential hazard to following air traffic, especially along the glide path and in ground proximity. To avoid dangerous incidents, separation regulations based on aircraft mass exist that is currently under revision in the context of RECAT. However, air traffic is expected to further increase in the future, making wake vortex encounters more likely. For this reason fast-time wake vortex models have been developed in the past that predict the vortex position and strength dependent on the aircraft parameters and the ambient conditions in order to avoid dangerous situations.