Project Title:

Active Control/Alleviation of Trailing (Streamwise) Vortices

94-1	02.01	0818	B	

Active Control/Alleviation of Trailing (Streamwise) Vortices 

Abstract:

Destabilization and dissipation of wing tip vortices is the 
dominant issue for reducing wake hazard and increasing airport 
productivity. The wake hazard problem exists due to the longevity 
of trailingline vortices and their associated high rotational 
energy. An innovative control strategy is proposed for the 
enhancement and premature aging of the vortex system. This research 
is focused on an active excitation/energization of large scale 
instability modes and inducement of bursting in tip vortices via 
acoustic and non-acoustic forcing. The technique is innovative for 
its simplicity, i.e., it is easy to add on to current wing design 
and it has no adverse effects on the aerodynamic characteristics of 
the generating wing. The effort is directed at modeling the 
receptivity of tip vortices to acoustic/external excitation and 
manipulation of sound-induced large-scale turbulence for tip vortex 
disablement. 

Control and alleviation of the wake vortex of commercial and 
military aircraft to increase safety and airport productivity, 
efficient aerial spraying of agricultural chemicals, prevention of 
helicopter blade vibration/fatigue, aircraft (submarine) stealth, 
and mixing enhancement. 

Key Words

High Technology Corp.  
28 Research Drive
Hampton, VA 23666