Vortex flow and lift generation of a non-slender reverse delta wing

Abstract

The vortex flow and lift force generated by a 50°-sweep non-slender reverse delta wing were investigated via particle image velocimetry, together with flow visualization and force balance measurement, at Re = 11,000. The non-slender reverse delta wing produced a delayed stall but a lower lift compared to its delta wing counterpart. The stalling mechanism was also found to be triggered by the disruption of the multiple spanwise vortex filaments developed over the upper wing surface. The vortex flowfield was, however, characterized by the co-existence of reverse delta wing vortices and multiple shear-layer vortices. The outboard location of the reverse delta wing vortex further implies that the lift force is mainly generated by the wing lower surface while the upper surface acts as a wake generator. The spatial progression of the flow parameters of the vortex generated by the non-slender reverse delta wing as a function of α was also discussed.