Investigation of Vortex Interaction in Canard-FSW Configurations Based on the Numerical Wind Tunnel Method

Abstract

The vortex interference mechanism on low Reynolds number between the canard and main wing of the canard-forward sweep wing (Canard-FSW) configurations is simulated numerically by employing the numerical wind tunnel method. The variations of aerodynamic characteristics of Canard-FSW configurations with different positions of the canard are investigated, finding that the aerodynamic interference and mutual coupling effect between the canard and main wing have made great contributions to the lift and stability characteristics of the whole aircraft. Canard can radically improve the surface flow pattern of the main wing. And its own vortex can have a favorable interference on the main wing and can effectively control the airflow boundary layer separation. At small angles of attack, the aerodynamic characteristics are sensitive to the positions of the canard and the main wing, but at high angles of attack, the aerodynamic performances of the configuration are not only related to the shape of the canard (forward or backward), but also with the size of control force as well as the features of the vortices generated above the main wing and the canard. The different configurations and vortices are illustrated using the velocity vector, streamlines and pressure contours.