In-Flight Flow Visualization Results of the F-106B with a Vortex Flap

Abstract

Surface and off-surface flow visualization techniques were used to visualize the three-dimensional vortex flows on the F-106 aircraft with vortex flaps installed. Results at angles of attack between 9 degrees and 18 degrees and Mach numbers from 0.3 to 0.9 are presented. A smoke flow vapor screen technique was used to document leading-edge vortex paths and sizes, while an oil flow technique was employed to provide detailed information on reattachment and separation line locations and other flow details. Results were obtained for two vortex flap deflection angles, 30 degrees and 40 degrees. Flow visualization revealed the existence of a multiple vortex system that had not previously been seen in subscale tests or predicted for this configuration. The vortex flap generated a leading-edge vortex system that reattached near the flap hinge over a wide angle-of-attack range. In addition to the primary vortex, flow visualization revealed the presence of several distinct vortices that traced a path from the vortex flap and then over the wing. (47 figures, 14 refs.)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA418997

Entities

People

  • James B. Hallissy
  • Jay M. Brandon
  • John E. Lamar
  • Philip W. Brown

Organizations

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Aircrafts
  • Boundary Layer
  • Cameras
  • Flow
  • Flow Fields
  • Flow Visualization
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Geometry
  • Leading Edge Flaps
  • Leading Edges
  • Mach Number
  • Photographs
  • Reynolds Number
  • Three Dimensional
  • Visualizations
  • Wind Tunnels

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.