Measured Wake-Vortex Characteristics of Aircraft in Ground Effect

Abstract

In support of the NASA wake vortex alleviation program, measurements were made of the influences of a ground plane on vortex trajectories and velocity profiles within lift-generated wakes. The wakes were generated by towing 0. 61-m (2-ft) span models of a B-747 and DC-10-30 under water in a ship model basin. The models were configured with landing flaps and flight spoilers to investigate the wake characteristics of these aircraft in ground effect at simulated full-scale distances of 19-116 m (62-380 ft) above the ground. The ground plane caused modifications in the vortex trajectories but did not alter vortex interactions and merging patterns in these multiple vortex wakes. Some distortions in vortex vertical (tangential) velocity profiles were recorded as a result of vortex lateral motions and vortex interactions with the viscous boundary layer on the ground plane; however, maximum tangential velocities remained unchanged.