Modeling the Wake as a Continuous Vortex Sheet in a Potential-Flow Solution Using Vortex Panels

Abstract

An investigation was made to determine the advantages of modeling the wake as a continuous vortex sheet in an unsteady potential-flow computer model. The existing program modeled the body as a continuous vortex sheet, and modeled the wake as discrete vortex cores employing principles of vortex lattice methods. A method is developed to approximate the wake with triangular vortex panels. The method accounts for redistributing vortex strength as the panels expand and deform. Comparisons are made with results of the original program for a rectangular wing at varying angles of attack. Limited results suggest the method is valid, and areas for further study are recommended. Keywords: Aerodynamic characteristics; Vortices; Vortex shedding; Trailing vorticies; Fluid dynamics; Theses.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA216220

Entities

People

  • Robert J. Papka

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Classification
  • Computer Simulations
  • Computers
  • Delta Wings
  • Engineering
  • Equations
  • Flow
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Geometry
  • Potential Flow
  • Simulations
  • Stratified Fluids
  • Trailing Edges
  • Vortex Shedding

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.