Analysis of streamwise-oriented vortex interactions for two wings in close proximity

Abstract

This investigation addresses the impingement of the trailing vortex provided by a leader-wing upon a follower-wing operating in close proximity. Exploration of the relative spacing between the two wings reveals several distinct flow regimes occur within a small range of lateral positions of the incident vortex. These changes effectively alter the evolution of the follower-wing wake via mutual induction between the incident and trailing vortices. Several unsteady mechanisms impact the general flow field in each regime. The incident vortex for an inboard impingement rapidly decays over the wing due to transition to turbulence. A tip-aligned vortex results in a highly unsteady interaction and generates enhanced surface pressure fluctuations beneath the tip vortex. Placing the incident vortex outboard elicits mutual instability between the leader and follower-wing trailing vortices. While lift-enhancement was found to be dominated by an inviscid increase in effective angle of attack, viscous effects in the near-tip region alter the local surface force distribution and influence the rolling moment coefficient. These flow variations which occur over a small range of lateral positions could generate buffeting loads in the presence of a wandering streamwise vortex.