Project Title:
"Improved Vortex Generators for Maximum Lift and Minimum Cruise Drag on G/A Airfoils"
94-1 02.09 8228
"Improved Vortex Generators for Maximum Lift and Minimum Cruise
Drag on G/A Airfoils"
Abstract:
Significant performance gains for single-engine business
airplanes can be realized if the wing loading can he matched with
cruise performance requirements, realizing potential range and
cruise speed improvements as high as 100%. To achieve this
requires a wing with minimum cruise drag hut still having
sufficient maximum lift to meet the FAA-imposed stall speed
regulations. One means of providing higher lift, particularly to
increase CLmax, is to use vortex generators (VG's) on the wing
to delay flow separation with angle of attack. While VG's can he
very effective for increasing maximum lift, typical designs
impose a large cruise drag penalty. The focus of this Phase I
effort is to demonstrate that VG's of non-standard design can
provide either significant increased maximum lift or presently
achievable levels of maximum lift enhancement but with a greatly
reduced drag penalty. This improved VG could provide significant
benefits to enhance the performance and safety characteristics
of existing airfoils as a retrofit on today's G/A airplanes, and,
it might lead to a new airfoil design methodology where the use
of VG's is integrated into the design from the beginning. There
is a potential demand in the GA industry for the benefits of both
approaches.
New VG's that improve the performance levels of GA aircraft by
increasing maximum lift and/or decreasing the cruise drag penalty
will have direct applications to existing GA airfoils to reduce
stall speeds and stall/spin problems. Improved VG's may also lead
to the development of a new methodology for VG/airfoil/flap
designs where VG performance is integrated into the design. The
potential benefits are higher performance at reduced cost, lower
stall speeds, higher cruise efficiency, improved ride quality,
simplified high-lift flap systems and improved flight safety.
Key Words
Eidetics Aircraft, Inc.
3415 Lomita Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90505