Flow visualization study of delta wings in wing-rock motion

Water tunnel flow visualizations have been conducted for the wing-rock phenomenon in the cases of models having different leading-edge sweeps and roundness. Wing rock, which is noted to occur in the absence of asymmetric vortex liftoff, vortex breakdown, and static hysteresis, is seen to be initiated by flowfield asymmetries that are induced by flow disturbances and vortex interactions near the apex region; one vortex is thereby strengthened while the other is weakened, inducing a roll moment. Leading-edge roundness decreases vortex strength and reduces vortex spacing, reducing the tendency to wind rock and coupled vortex motions at higher angles-of-attack.