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Flow past a delta wing with a sinusoidal leading edge: near-surface topology and flow structure

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Abstract

The near-surface flow structure and topology on a delta wing of low sweep angle, having sinusoidal leading edges of varying amplitude and wavelength, are investigated using a stereoscopic technique of high-image-density particle image velocimetry at a Reynolds number of 15,000. Identification of critical points, in conjunction with surface-normal vorticity and velocity, provides a basis for determining the effectiveness of a given leading edge. At high angle of attack, where large-scale three-dimensional separation occurs from the wing with a straight leading edge, an amplitude of the leading-edge protuberance as small as one-half of one percent of the chord of the wing can substantially alter the near-surface topology. When the amplitude reaches a value of four percent of the chord, it is possible to completely eradicate the negative focus of large-scale, three-dimensional separation, in favor of a positive focus of attachment. Moreover, alteration of the near-surface topology is most effective when the ratio of the wavelength to amplitude of the sinusoidal leading edge is maintained at a small value.

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  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA

    T. Goruney & D. Rockwell

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  1. T. Goruney
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  2. D. Rockwell
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Correspondence to T. Goruney.

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Goruney, T., Rockwell, D. Flow past a delta wing with a sinusoidal leading edge: near-surface topology and flow structure. Exp Fluids 47, 321–331 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-009-0666-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-009-0666-x

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