Two-dimensional wake vortex physics in the stably stratified atmosphere

The effects of stable stratification on aircraft wake vortices are investigated by means of high-resolution two-dimensional simulations. The simulations elucidate that the vortices first decelerate and then accelerate their descent, where they largely conserve their circulation. However, for very stable stratification the tip vortices may rise again to the flight path. The underlying physical mechanisms are revealed by means of a point vortex method and are examined complementarily by balancing the impulse of the wake vortices. It is shown that the prominant effects, deceleration, detrainment and acceleration, are caused by the kinematic interaction of the vorticity generated by baroclinity and the primary vorticity. Furthermore, it is found that the impulse of the ‘whole’ system, including the detrained secondary vorticity, is oscillating with the Brunt-Väisälä frequency which implies that the wingtip vortices themselves do not. Finally, a local shear-number is proposed which takes into account the interaction of primary and secondary vorticity and can describe the instantaneous tendency of wake vortices to accelerate or to decelerate.     

反弹自消散系统尾涡控制机制研究

为了研究加快尾涡消散的机理,以获得更合理的尾流间隔,进行了壁面反弹实验的数值模拟计算。实验采取在模拟机翼后缘安置反弹面的方法,诱发反弹二次涡与主涡相交出现不稳定性,以加快尾流衰减。数值计算运用N-S方程,对雷诺应力项采用Realizableκ-ε涡粘模型进行计算,分析经二次涡干涉后尾涡轴向涡量衰减、涡核下沉运动等参数的变化,以探究反弹二次涡对飞机主涡消散的演变影响。实验结果表明,反弹涡对主涡衰减有明显的促进作用。该实验为人工干预缩减机场尾流间隔的研究奠定了理论基础。     

一种尾流消散动态预测的改进算法

尾流间隔是增大跑道容量的主要限制因素之一，为了在保持安全水平的前提下有效地增大跑道容量，可以对尾流消散进行动态预测，并据此缩减尾流间隔。研究了一种尾涡消散动态预测算法，该算法考虑了真实大气的大气分层、湍流、侧风、迎面风、风切变以及地效影响，并用一阶后向差分对该算法进行了离散化改进；在改进算法的基础上，时进近阶段尾流的消散在Matlab中进行了仿真计算；计算结果复现了尾涡的下沉现象和侧风对尾涡传输的线性累积效应。     

Wingtip generated wake vortices as radar target

Previous radar wake vortex detection experiments have resulted in measured beam averaged values of radar reflectivity from wake vortices in clear air. We have employed average wind and thermodynamic variable output from a two dimensional wake vortex model in clear air and fog to predict radar reflectivity in a wake vortex on a one meter grid. The results agree well, compared to data in the literature. In the clear air case, scales of turbulence were analyzed at each grid point to determine the appropriate maximum radar frequency for detection, initial wake structure, transport, and vortex persistence are related to atmospheric winds, atmospheric stability, and generating aircraft characteristics     

Experimental investigation of counter-rotating four vortex aircraft wake

An experimental investigation on the wake vortex formation and evolution of a four vortex system of a generic model in the near field and extended near field as well as the behaviour and decay in the far field region has been conducted by means of hot-wire anemometry in a wind tunnel. The results were obtained during an experimental campaign as part of the EC project “FAR-Wake”. The model used consists of a wing–tail plane configuration with the wing producing positive lift and the tail plane negative lift. The circulation ratio of tail plane to wing is ?0.3 and the span ratio is 0.3. Thus, a four vortex system with counter-rotating neighboured vortices exists. The model set-up was chosen on the condition to create a most promising four vortex system with respect to accelerate wake vortex decay by optimal perturbations enhancing inherent instability mechanisms. The flow field has been investigated for a half plane of the entire wake up to a distance of 48 span dimensions downstream of the model. The results obtained at 1, 12, 24 and 48 span distances are shown as non-dimensional axial vorticity and vertical turbulence intensities. A significant decay in peak vorticity, swirl velocity and circulation is observable during the downward motion of the vortices. Spectral analysis of the unsteady velocity data reveals a peak in the power spectral density distributions indicating the presence of a dominating instability. Using two hot-wire probes cross spectral density distributions have also been evaluated, which highlight the co-operative instability leading to a rapid wake vortex decay within 30 span dimensions downstream.     

Numerical study of aircraft wake vortex evolution near ground in stable atmospheric boundary layer

The evolutions of aircraft wake vortices near ground in stable atmospheric boundary layer are studied by Large Eddy Simulation(LES). The sensitivity of vortex evolution to the Monin-Obukhov(M-O) scale is studied for the first time. The results indicate that increasing stability leads to longer lifetimes of upwind vortices, while downwind vortices will decay faster due to a stronger crosswind shear under stable conditions. Based on these results, an empirical model of the vortex lifetime as a function of 10-m-high crosswind and the M-O scale is summarized. This model can provide an estimate of the upper boundary of the vortex lifetime according to the realtime crosswind and atmospheric stability. In addition, the lateral translation of vortices is also inspected. The results show that vortices can travel a furthest distance of 722 m in the currentlystudied parameter range. This result is meaningful to safety analysis of airports that have parallel runways.     

A new vortex sheet model for simulating aircraft wake vortex evolution

A new vortex sheet model was proposed for simulating aircraft wake vortex evolution.Rather than beginning with a pair of counter-rotating cylindrical vortices as in the traditional models,a lift-drag method is used to initialize a vortex sheet so that the roll-up phase is taken into account.The results of this model report a better approximation to a real situation when compared to the measurement data.The roll-up induced structures are proved to influence the far-field decay.On one hand,they lead to an early decay in the diffusion phase.On the other hand,the growth of linear instability such as elliptical instability is suppressed,resulting in a slower decay in the rapid decay phase.This work provides a simple and practicable model for simulating wake vortex evolu tion,which combines the roll-up process and the far-field phase in simulation.It is also proved that the roll-up phase should not be ignored when simulating the far-field evolution of an aircraft wake vortex pair,which indicates the necessity of this new model.     

Wake-vortex characteristics of military-type aircraft measured at airport oberpfaffenhofen using the DLR laser doppler anemometer

The DLR ground-based cw Doppler lidar was used for experimental investigations of wake vortices generated by military-type aircraft, including fixed-wing as well as rotor-wing aircraft. The measurements were mainly focused on the roll-up phase of the vortices. The experimental data has been analysed regarding vortex structure and circulation, partly also regarding their temporal development. The influence of flight parameters was measured during consecutive aircraft fly-bys. Small variations in the velocity profiles could be observed which were overlayed by the signatures of the variable wind and turbulence field. This problem can be solved on a statistical basis by measuring many cases under the same atmospheric conditions. The influence of aircraft design could be demonstrated by comparison of the vortex signatures of two B707-type aircraft showing pronounced design differences, namely a standard B707 and a AWACS E3A.     

Excitation of instabilities in the wake of an airfoil by means of active winglets

Strong wake vortices that develop behind every aircraft as a byproduct of lift production pose a threat where aircraft fly in close staggering such as in the vicinity of airports. One approach to alleviate these vortex wakes is the use of high lift systems or control surfaces of the wing to create an unstable vortex system. The inherent instability of this vortex system shall then lead to an accelerated decay of the vortex wake, triggered for example by a periodic motion of the control surfaces. In the work presented here a simple wing model with winglets able to produce a vortex system of up to six distinct vortices is investigated in towing tank experiments. Theoretical studies show that these vortex systems potentially have a high degree of instability. By means of active oscillation of rudders integrated into the winglets, these vortex systems are to be excited to initiate an accelerated decay of the vortices. It is shown that configurations exist which exhibit strong instabilities, that lead to a significantly lower hazard level behind the vortex generating wing, even when not actively excited. However, an additional oscillation does not seem to accelerate decay of these vortex systems in relation to the statical reference case.     

飞机尾流的快速建模方法

尾流的强度主要由飞机的飞机重量、飞行速度和机翼形状所决定和仿真尾流的保守被动模型可很好的描述尾流系统中水蒸汽、位温等保守被动量的运动演化规律,但这种参数仿真时间长、对计算机要求高,不能实时预测任一机型所产生的尾流的状态分布特性.为此提出了一种尾流的快速建模方法,很好的解决了以往尾流实时仿真时的缺点,为飞机飞行过程中实时预测前机尾流的影响区域提供理论依据,从而减少尾流事故的发生.      

喷流对飞机尾流涡影响的试验研究

飞机产生的尾流涡,特别是大尺度的翼尖涡,对尾随其后的飞行器是非常有害的,本文旨在探索利用飞机发动机产生的喷流加速尾流涡消亡的方法。试验采用简化的飞机模型(有尾翼),建立了包含一对翼尖涡及一对反向旋转的尾翼涡(通过以负迎角安装尾翼得到)的4涡尾流系统。在无外来扰动的情况下,不同的尾翼设置下得到的尾翼涡对翼尖涡的作用效果不同,有的能导致翼尖涡提前消亡,有的则不能。考察了不同强度的喷流对不同4涡尾流系统的影响,且作为对比,对无尾翼(2涡系统)及无喷流下的各种情况也分别作了观测。试验在拖曳水槽中进行,运用体视粒子图像测速(SPIV)技术,观测了与模型拖曳方向垂直的、从机翼后缘到下游约45翼展间均布的一系列切面。结果表明:当喷流直接作用于涡时,其效果主要取决于两者之间的初始距离及相对强度;而当喷流作用于整个4涡尾流系统时,其引入的扰动对不同的系统均能起到一定程度的改善作用,这种作用的关键在于利用喷流优化对翼尖涡进行扰动的机制,而不仅仅取决于喷流的强度。     

低雷诺数下二维翼型绕流的流场特性分析

采用高精度有限差分格式,对低雷诺数下二维翼型绕流进行了直接数值模拟,计算了雷诺数为1.0×104,NACA0012翼型0°,4°以及10°攻角下的流场。计算结果表明:在0°和4°攻角条件下,翼型绕流尾迹区的统计特性相似,0°攻角下的统计量值具有很好的对称性;在距翼型尾缘0.3弦长以后的尾迹区,旋涡排列成类似涡街的结构,涡量的极值、压力的极小值都位于旋涡中心,沿着流向,涡量极值的绝对值逐渐减小,压力的极小值逐渐增大。10°攻角下,翼型上表面从前缘开始分离,尾迹区统计分析结果所得图象与0°和4°完全不同,数值上较后者结果大;在翼型尾缘处,涡量的卷吸,高压力区域的形成,是旋涡脱落的条件,正向和反向旋涡的交替脱落,形成了类似涡街的结构。      

Wake vortex characteristics of transport aircraft

The flow and flight physics of wake vortex systems has been intensively investigated concentrating on a large variety of aspects. This paper gives a brief overview on past and present wake vortex research activities such as early studies, integrated programs, model and flight tests, numerical investigations, fundamental physical aspects and alleviation strategies. Then, detailed results of the properties of the wake near field and extended near field are presented addressing typical length and time scales and especially turbulence quantities. Progressing from the near field to the far field wake instability mechanisms are explained along with their relevance for wake vortex decay. Characteristic quantities are given for the short and long wave instabilities associated with vortex merging and wakes consisting of two and four trailing vortices. A non-dimensional frequency parameter is introduced to classify the main instability types. Means for wake vortex alleviation are described aimed at influencing the wake vortex turbulence field or triggering and amplifying the inherent instabilities. The methods discussed include passive means such as the effects of spoilers, differential flap setting and four-vortex systems and active means using oscillating flaps or auxiliary devices.     

四涡系统构建及其特性的实验研究

飞机尾涡是与升力相关的固有流动现象,威胁着机场附近的飞行安全,同时也限制了机场使用效率。在矩形机翼翼尖以一定方式安装涡流发生器,产生与主涡旋向相反的小涡,来构建一种具有自我消散机制的四涡系统,能实现尾涡集中能力的快速消散。结合流动显示和粒子成像测速(PIV)测量,探索了在不同的参数匹配下,下游25个翼展范围内该四涡系统的空间发展过程、涡量发展曲线,以及45个翼展范围内主涡环量的衰减程度。实验结果表明,受小涡诱导,尾涡出现了相交不稳定性,主涡提前破裂,涡量随之降低。当小涡和主涡的初始环量比为-0.581、初始距离比为0.5时,45个翼展范围内,主涡环量衰减34.7%。该实验结果为低尾流机翼的设计提供了一定的参考。     

空中交通中尾流间隔的研究

分析了雷达尾流间隔标准的分类，通过尾流的形成机理和对后机影响的分析，建立了后机的危险遭遇模型和前机的尾流消散模型，给出了在确定的时间间隔下确定尾流危险遭遇概率的方法。     

翼型近尾迹流动的PIV研究—动力学机制

利用在线式互相关PIV(ParticleImageVelocimetry)系统,在低速风洞中对NACA0012翼型在雷诺数2.39×105,0°和4°攻角下的近尾迹流动进行了详细测量。实验结果表明,翼型近尾迹存在有序的涡街结构,涡街在尾缘处形成后,在向下游的迁移中,会经历一个发展壮大、失稳破碎的演化过程,流动从有序走向无序。翼型的近尾迹是一种以旋涡的运动学特性和动力学机制为主导的流动现象。本文着重探讨了翼型尾缘处的涡街形成机理,尾迹内的流动机制,以及近尾迹的流动稳定性。      

翼尖涡流场特性及其控制

大型运输飞机的尾涡系是诱发后继小型飞机空难的重要原因,需要有效的涡控制装置来削弱其强度.通过风洞实验,研究了翼型为NACA23016的矩形半机翼模型翼尖尾涡流动结构和控制方法.应用七孔探针空间流场定量测试技术研究了翼尖涡的流动结构,给出了翼尖尾涡在下游两倍弦长距离内的速度和压力场分布随迎角变化的规律.在机翼翼梢布置不同组合方式的翼梢涡扩散器,来控制翼尖涡.研究结果表明,正负90°和60°安装角的双翼梢涡扩散器可将翼尖涡涡核的静压增加60%以上.其旋涡强度削弱机理为:翼梢涡扩散器将集中的翼尖涡破碎分成两个或多个强度更弱的旋涡.在流体粘性的作用下,旋涡能量耗散更快,可有效地削弱翼尖尾涡的强度.     

侧向风速对飞机尾流运动的影响

为了使机场雷达能实时探测和定位飞机尾流,对飞机飞行环境进行合理假设后提出了一个仿真尾流的保守被动模型,该模型能很好地描述尾流中水蒸气等物质的运动演化规律。综合考虑大气环境中风速对尾流的影响,利用该仿真模型对尾流进行了实时仿真,得到了不同侧向风速情况下,不同时刻尾流的状态分布等重要特性。通过分析侧向风速对飞机尾流运动过程的影响,证明了当侧向风速为1.0~3.0 m/s时是最危险的,所得结论可为飞机飞行过程中避免尾流的影响提供理论依据。     

Flight safety,aircraft vortex wake and airport operation capacity

One of the major problems that challenge today's aeronautics is the problem of improving flight safety. A zone of increased hazard is the aerospace in the vicinity of an airport. Here, one of aircraft accidents' causes is wake turbulence generated by aircraft. The encountering of an aircraft on take-off or landing with the vortex wake of a preceding aircraft can lead to an accident especially dangerous near the ground.