An Experimental Investigation of a High Lift Device on the Owl Wing
Abstract
A study was made of the aerodynamic function of the comblike fixtures found on the leading edge of owl wings. Microphotographs of an owl's wing showed the comb to resemble a row of spanwise twisted airfoils oriented to form a cascade. Smoke flow visualization tests on an owl wing showed that the comb acts as a cascade which turns the flow close to the wing leading edge in a spanwise direction. Flow visualization experiments were run using flat plate and cambered airfoils with combs in a low speed three-dimensional wind tunnel. Results showed that the leading edge comb produced a stationary spanwise vortex that delays flow separation at high angles of attack. The high lift device was related to the vortex lift phenomena observed on delta wing aircraft. The comb's small relative size, simple structure, and lack of moving parts may make it attractive for aircraft use.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0769492
Entities
People
- George W. Anderson
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology