efluids image gallery
previous BACK to Gallery of Flow Images previous   previous next   next Submit Image
VORTEX BREAK-UP ON A DELTA WING AT HIGH INCIDENCE
Henri Werlé
ONERA

On a delta wing, the upper surface vortices break up naturally at high angle of attack, and a lift drop is observed on the parts of the wing affected by this phenomenon. This break-up may jeopardize the aircraft longitudinal stability (appearance of vibrations, buffeting), in particular at angles of attack higher than normally used for landing.

This visualization in the water tunnel was quite similar to that observed by NASA during flight tests.

Image created by Henri Werlé. Reproduced with permission from his spectacular collection Courants et Couleurs published in 1974 by ONERA, the French Aerospace Lab.

For further information, see On the Flow of Fluids Made Visible, Henri Werlé, Leonardo, Vol. 8, No. 4. (Autumn, 1975), pp. 329-331.

© Copyright on the images is held by the contributors. Apart from Fair Use, permission must be sought for any other purpose.