A computational study on directional stability of chine-shaped forebodies at high-alpha

CFD is employed to study the flowfields over chine-shaped forebodies at low-speed high-angle-of-attack conditions with sideslip. This study is conducted to define forebody geometries that provide good directional stability characteristics under these conditions. An analytically defined generic forebody model is developed and a systematic examination of forebody shapes is performed to determine which shapes promote a positive contribution to directional stability at high-alpha. Results of the initial parametric study and some guidelines for aerodynamic design to promote positive directional stability are presented.