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Vortex Wakes of Subsonic Transport AircraftA historical overview will be presented of the research conducted on the structure and modification of the vortices generated by the lifting surfaces of subsonic transport aircraft. The seminar will describe the three areas of vortex research; namely, the magnitude of the hazard posed, efforts to reduce the hazard to an acceptable level, and efforts to develop a systematic means for avoiding vortex wakes. It is first pointed out that the characteristics of lift-generated vortices are related to the aerodynamic shapes that produce them and that various arrangements of surfaces can be used to produce different vortex structures. The largest portion of the research conducted to date has been directed at finding ways to reduce the hazard potential of lift-generated vortices shed by subsonic transport aircraft in the vicinity of airports during landing and takeoff operations. It is stressed that lift-generated vortex wakes are so complex that progress towards a solution requires application of a combined theoretical and experimental research program because either alone often leads to incorrect conclusions. It is concluded that a satisfactory aerodynamic solution to the wake-vortex problem at airports has not yet been found but a reduction in the impact of the wake-vortex hazard on airport capacity may become available in the foreseeable future through wake-vortex avoidance concepts currently under study. The material to be presented in this overview is drawn from articles published in aerospace journals that are available publicly.
Document ID
20020073855
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Rossow, Vernon J.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Nixon, David
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
February 2, 1999
Subject Category
Aerodynamics
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 522-11-52
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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