Multifunctional active vortex generators
Please login to view abstract download link
Vortex generators (VGs) have been used for long time as a device to reduce flow separation. The concept of vortex generator is to energise the flow so that it will be more resistant to flow separation and therefore increase maximum lift and improve low speed performances. Vortex generators are usually fixed, therefore they are used in high lift, low speed conditions. In high speed they can cause an increase of drag. Therefore, the first idea is to develop active vortex generators so that they can be deployed only when needed avoiding the undesired drag increase in flight conditions when they are not necessary. A non-conventional idea is to use vortex generators not only in low speed but also in high speed conditions as a load alleviation device. During a manoeuvre, or in gust encounter, it could be required a reduction of wing aerodynamics forces to reduce wing design load and allow a design of a lighter wing. This work could be accomplished by vortex generators, that, if properly designed can be used to enhance flow separation, for example near wing tip, and therefore reduce wing loading. Vortex generators used for load alleviation should be usually larger and placed in specific wing position. The objective of this work is therefore to design vortex generators with dual use, for both load alleviation and high lift improvements. This vortex generators should be active so to avoid drag increase in nominal cruise condition. First numerical analysis using 2D and 3D CFD simulations was performed to define the design criteria for sizing and selection of the actuator and size of the vortex vane. Functionality tests will be performed in CIRA transonic wind tunnel. Test objective I to evaluate actuators effectiveness in actual load conditions. The work is performed by CIRA and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the framework of the Clean-Aviation Project UP-WING, in cooperation with AIRBUS, DLR and University of Bremen.
