Numerical Simulation of Compressible Vortices
Abstract
A delta wing at a high angle of attack produces two vortices that generally undergo dramatic increases in core size, followed by the formation of regions of reversed flow. This phenomenon is called vortex breakdown and can have significant effects on the aircraft's lift, drag, and moment coefficients. The objective of this thesis is to provide a base line model of the compressible vortex, independent of the complex body interaction with the delta wing. The mathematical model is then used to simulate vortex breakdown for various vortex strengths, Reynolds numbers, and Mach numbers with particular attention given to the effects of compressibility. After running many simulations it was found that Mach number has a favorable effect by delaying vortex breakdown as defined above. Holding Reynolds number and vortex strength constant while increasing Mach number reduced the effective vortex strength while compressing the flow. Another important result of this compressible flow study was the disappearance of non-unique solutions at Re = 200 and V = 1.0 as Mach number was increased. No paths of non-unique solutions were found for M > 0.2. Keywords: Navier stokes solutions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA216221
Entities
People
- Scott A. Morton
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology