Skip to main content

Vortex Flow Aerodynamic Challenges in the Design Space for Future Fighter Aircraft

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:

Part of the book series: Notes on Numerical Fluid Mechanics and Multidisciplinary Design ((NNFM,volume 142))

Abstract

The future air-combat scenery sees an emerging change in air-combat tactics due to stealth and modern missiles. Fast, visual encounters could be decided by very rapid instantaneous maneuvers at high angle-of-attack and transonic speed for shooting advantages being finalized by rapid missile exchanges. Controlled vortex flows also at higher transonic speeds must be mastered for controlled motions about all three axis. The aircraft planform, wing-sweep and the leading-edge type have to be arranged for the mutual benefit of these complex flows throughout the flight envelope also regarding signature considerations. Often controlled flight limits are reached at sideslip conditions. Here asymmetric vortex instabilities cause unstable rolling moments together with adverse yaw. To push these limits an extended understanding of vortex separation, their interaction and breakdown is necessary. The probing of the design aerodynamic characteristics are to be assisted by modern flow simulation tools to be validated on the basis of appropriate physical understanding via sophisticated test-facilities.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Hummel, D.: On the Vortex Formation over a Slender Wing at Large Angles of Incidence. AGARD-CP-247, October 1978

    Google Scholar 

  2. Werle, H.: Sur L’eclatement Des Tourbillons. ONERA Note Technique, No 175 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Wentz, W.H., Kohlman, D.L.: Wind-tunnel investigations of vortex breakdown on slender sharp-edged wings. NASA CR 98737 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Luckring, J.M.: A survey of factors affecting blunt leading edge separation for swept and semi-slender wings. AIAA-2010-4820, Chicago (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Brennenstuhl, U., Hummel, D.: Vortex Formation over Double-Delta Wings. ICAS-82-6.6.3, ICAS Congress (1982)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Bergmann, A., Hummel, D., Oelker, H.C.: Vortex formation over a close-coupled canard-wing-body configuration in unsymmetrical flow. AGARD-CP-494

    Google Scholar 

  7. Mason, W.H., Configuration Aerodynamics Class: Some High Alpha and Handling Qualities Aerodynamics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Lamar, J.E., Campbell, J.F.: Recent studies at NASA-langley of vortical flows interacting with neighboring surfaces. In: AGARD Fluid Dynamics Symposium on Aerodynamics of Vortical Type Flows in Three Dimensions, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, AGARD-CP-342, April 1983

    Google Scholar 

  9. Poisson-Quinton, P.: Slender wings for civil and military aircraft. Israel J. Technol. 16(3), 97–131 (1978)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Polhamus, E.C.: Applying slender wing benefits to military aircraft. J. Aircr. 21(8), 545–559 (1984)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Sacher, P.W., Orlik-Rückmann, K.J., Gödel, H., Costes, B., Leynaert, J., Perrier, P., Bore, C.L., Sellars, R.C., Lamar, J.E., Parker, J.L., Yoshihara, H.: Special course on fundamentals of fighter aircraft design. AGARD Report 740 (1986)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Osterhuber, R.: FCS requirements for combat aircraft – lessons learned for future designs. In: STO-AVT-189, Workshop on Stability & Control, Portsmouth, October 2011

    Google Scholar 

  13. Osterhuber, R., Hitzel, S.M.: FCS requirements of combat aircraft – beneficial aerodynamic deliverables. In: STO-AVT-201 Edinburgh, October 2011

    Google Scholar 

  14. Mader, G.: Moderne Flugzeugbewaffnung für Europas Luftwaffen – die Kill-Zonen verschieben. WT Wehrtechnik II/2016, pp. 34–38 (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Baker, C.J., Griffiths, H.D.: Bi-static and Multi-static Sensors for Homeland Security. London University College (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  16. Hitzel, S.M.: Perform and survive – evolution of some U(M)CAV platform requirements. In: STO-MP-AVT-215-01 STO-AVT-215 Workshop on Innovative Controls, Stockholm, May 2013

    Google Scholar 

  17. Buckner, J.K., Hill, P.W.: Aerodynamic design evolution of the YF-16. In: AIAA 75-935, 6th Aircraft Design, Flight Test and Operations Meeting, Los Angeles CA, August 1974

    Google Scholar 

  18. Skow, A.M., Erickson, G.E.: Modern Fighter Aircraft Design for High-Angle-of-Attack Maneuvering. High Angle of Attack Aerodynamics, AGARD-LS-121, pp. 4-1–4-59, December 1982

    Google Scholar 

  19. Chambers, J.R.: High Angle of Attack Aerodynamics: Lessons Learned. AIAA 86-1778 CP, San Diego (1986)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Karling, K.: Aerodynamics of the Viggen 37 aircraft. NASA Technical Memorandum, NASA TM-88403 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  21. Hitzel, S.M., Osterhuber, R.: Enhanced maneuverability of a delta-canard combat aircraft by vortex flow control. J. Aircraft 55(3), 1090–1102 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Hitzel, S.M.: High-angle-of-attack F-16XL flight simulations at sub- and transonic speeds. J. Aircr. 54(6), 2014–2026 (2017). https://doi.org/10.2514/1.c034025

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Kroll, N., Rossow, C.: Digital-X: DLR’s way towards the virtual aircraft. In: German Aerospace Center (DLR) Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology, NIA CFD Research, Hampton Virginia, 6–8 August 2012

    Google Scholar 

  24. Allmaras, S.R., Johnson, F.T., Spalart, P.R.: Modifications and clarifications for the implementation of the Spalart Allmaras turbulence model. In: Seventh International Conference on Computational Fluid Dynamics (ICCFD7), Big Island, Hawaii, ICCFD7-1902, 9−13 July 2012

    Google Scholar 

  25. Menter, F.R.: Review of the shear-stress transport turbulence model experience from an industrial perspective. Int. J. Comput. Fluid Dyn. 24(4), 305–316 (2009). Special Issue: RANS CFD Modelling into a Second Century

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Pfnür, S., Pflüger, J., Breitsamter, C.: Analysis of vortex flow phenomena on generic delta wing planforms at subsonic speeds. In: STAB Symposium, Darmstadt, November 2018

    Google Scholar 

  27. Hövelmann, A., Winkler, A., Hitzel, S.M., Rein, M., Richter, K., Werner, M.: Analysis of vortex flow phenomena on generic delta wing planforms at transonic speeds. In: STAB Symposium, Darmstadt, November 2018

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stephan M. Hitzel .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Hitzel, S.M., Winkler, A., Hövelmann, A. (2020). Vortex Flow Aerodynamic Challenges in the Design Space for Future Fighter Aircraft. In: Dillmann, A., Heller, G., Krämer, E., Wagner, C., Tropea, C., Jakirlić, S. (eds) New Results in Numerical and Experimental Fluid Mechanics XII. DGLR 2018. Notes on Numerical Fluid Mechanics and Multidisciplinary Design, vol 142. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-25253-3_29

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-25253-3_29

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-25252-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-25253-3

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics