Experimental Investigation of Vortex Flow Over a Flying V Subsonic Transport
N.L.M. van Luijk (TU Delft - Flight Performance and Propulsion)
R Vos (TU Delft - Flight Performance and Propulsion)
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Abstract
Blunt-nosed, highly-swept crescent wings, often found in flying wing designs like the Flying V, offer high aerodynamic efficiency but exhibit nonlinear aerodynamic behavior at high angles of attack. This study experimentally investigates the vortical flow over the Flying V under these conditions at a Reynolds number of 8.0x10
5 and a Mach number of 0.10. Balance measurements assess the aerodynamic performance, while oil flow visualization captures the on-surface flow topology. A 7-hole pressure probe maps the off-surface flow topology above the wing's suction side. Results reveal a double vortex system (in- and outboard vortex) forming over the inboard wing starting at α = 12.5°. At α = 15.0°, the stronger outboard vortex merges with another vortex over the outboard wing, which develops aft of the leading-edge kink at α = 7.5°. The vortical flow enhances the aerodynamic performance through vortex lift between α = 10.0° and 18.0°. However, at the latter angle, a pitch break occurs, attributed to the breakdown of the inboard vortex and the upstream movement of its onset and breakdown locations. Balance data indicate that the vortex breakdown is asymmetric, occurring first over the starboard wing.