Experimental study of vortex flow control on double-delta wings using fillets

Abstract

An experimental investigation of vortex flow control through small geometry modifications (fillets) at the strake/wing junction of a cropped, double-delta whig model with sharp leading edges was conducted in a water tunnel at a model Reynolds number of 1.875 X 10. The fillets increased the whig area of the baseline model by 1%. The main focus of this study was to evaluate the effects of fillets on vortex core trajectories, interactions, and breakdown (bursting) on the leeward surface at high angles of attack (AOAs), using the dye-injection technique. Comparison of test results for different fillet shapes indicates delay hi both vortex interaction and breakdown at high AOAs, particularly for the diamond-fillet shape. The vortex trajectory data for the diamond-fillet shape clearly imply lift augmentation, thus supporting the concept of flow control using fillets. The vortex breakdown data indicate lift augmentation for both the static and dynamic cases.