Curved Wake Vortices Encounter Simulations with Pilots-in-the-Loop

Abstract

The presentation deals with simulator and in-flight simulation studies that have been performed to evaluate the influence of vortex curvature on the wake encounter hazard. During the decay process of wake vortices the shape of the matured vortices alters significantly and differs from the ideal straight geometry of young vortices. The curvature of the vortices that developes during the decay process indeed has an influence on the wake encounter of a trailing aircraft. The piloted studies described in this presentation revealed a potential of pilot-induced-oscillations when encountering curved wake vortices especially with controller augmented aircraft. The studies do not reveal a significant reduction of the encounter hazard due to vortex curvature.