1954 · 13 citations · 0 references
EngineeringAerospace EngineeringMechanical EngineeringAerodynamicsFluid DynamicsFluid MechanicsAirfoil TheoryExperimental AerodynamicsExternal AerodynamicsVortex DynamicsWing AerodynamicsDragInduced DragReynolds NumberTrailing VorticesTrailing-edge VorticesVortex FlowWing Aspect RatioWing Aspect Ratio Effects
Abstract : Theoretical, experimental, and semi-empirical investigations of the minimum pressure in trailing vortex systems of elliptic, rectangular, and delta wings are presented. The magnitude of the minimum pressure coefficient in the trailing vortex system of a wing increases nearly linearly with the angle of attack of the wings. This magnitude is almost independent of aspect ratio for elliptic wings but for rectangular wings is slightly higher, the greater the aspect ratio, for a given angle of attack. At a given angle of attack the magnitude of the minimum pressure coefficient increases with increasing Reynolds number. The thickness of the tip-vortex core, or the thickness of the edge of the trailing vortex sheet is determined by the thickness of the boundary layer on the lower surface of the wing at the trailing edge of the tip and not be any considerations of induced drag and kinetic energy of the vortex sheet itself.