Trapping of a free vortex by Joukowski airfoils

Abstract

The ability of trapping a free vortex by a Joukowski airfoil in its vicinity for lift augmentation is investigated through a two-dimensional potential flow analysis. The effects of angle of attack, thickness, and camber on the trapping performance of the airfoil are examined separately. It is found that to capture a vortex which is stable to small disturbances, the proper arrangement is to have a rather thick symmetric airfoil at a small angle of attack.