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Vortex Generators PDF
Vortex Generators PDF
These devices have been installed in each case to enhance flying qualities, but each application has its
own story. A brief discussion of what vortex generators do is necessary before the design decision
process for specific applications can be discussed. As can be observed from the previous
photographs, these devices are used in assorted sizes and combinations, and can be mounted in
various locations on an airplane. What they all have in common, however, is that they all act like
miniature wings, each creating lift perpendicular to its own surface. By creating lift, they each shed a
downstream vortex which can influence airflow in two distinct ways:
• The vortex is oriented by appropriate placement of the vortex generator in order to redirect airflow
in the flow field so that adverse interactions are prevented or delayed. With this mechanism, the
generators act as a flow deflector. The large vortex generators installed on the 767 and 737-300
nacelles are examples of applications which take advantage of this mechanism.
Vortex generators have been used to increase aircraft speeds, improve initial buffet boundaries,
improve control authority, and reduce vibrations induced by boundary layer separation on some aircraft.
However, these reasons do not explain why vortex generators have been used on the Boeing 737, 757,
and 767 aircraft. Vortex generators are used on these aircraft to improve high Mach pitch
characteristics beyond initial buffet and to lower stall speeds in the landing configuration.
Early 767 wind tunnel test results showed, as expected, that the configuration with the best
aerodynamic cruise efficiency displayed predicted stick force per g characteristics similar to previous
low tail, swept wing transports and did not meet the more stringent design criteria beyond initial buffet.
For optimum efficiency, a wing is designed to achieve an approximate elliptic spanwise lift distribution
at cruise angle of
attack as shown in
Figure 2.
This loading minimizes
lift induced drag and
thereby maximizes lift
to drag ratio. The
elliptical lift distribution
is accomplished by
proper selection of
Figure 3. Sectional lift coefficient variation Figure 4. On swept wing airplanes, the greatest airfoil camber and
relative to span increase in section lift coefficient with twist along the wing
increasing angle of attack occurs on the span.
outboard region of the span
The resulting sectional lift coefficient variation with span is presented in Figure 3. On a swept wing
planform, the largest increase in section lift coefficient with increasing angle of attack occurs on the
outboard region of the span as seen in Figure 4. This is because wing sweepback causes the outboard
wing to operate in a local upwash field created by the inboard wing; therefore, the outboard wing
effectively operates at a higher angle of attack than the inboard wing.
Several candidate design modifications were studied as configuration options for improving the stick
force per g characteristics to meet the new design requirements:
• Several T-tail configurations were studied in order to separate the wing flow field from the
horizontal tail
• The wing span loading was modified by retwisting the wing to unload the outboard wing
• The inboard wing airfoils were modified in order to promote initial separation on the inboard wing
Figure 5. Model 767 wing vortex generators Figure 6. Relationship of landing gear length to nacelle lip
height on high-bypass ratio engines.
Each of the above options resulted in a significantly less efficient airplane. A better solution was
desired, and vortex generators provided that solution. A 1/10 scale model of the 767 airplane was built
and tested at a high Reynolds number wind tunnel in order to obtain data simulating full scale 767
conditions. Vortex generators were evaluated in detail. The test results were very encouraging
because it was determined that only a few small vortex generators located on the wing just outboard of
the nacelle were very effective in improving the wing stall pattern and hence the stick force
characteristics. It remained to be proven on the flight vehicle.
The early flight tests on the 767 airplane without the vortex generators confirmed the initial wind tunnel
test results. When vortex generators were added, the stick force characteristics beyond initial buffet
met the new Boeing design requirements. The vortex generators also provided increased buffet
intensity with increasing load factor thereby contributing additional deterrence to a pilot as he pulled
into these conditions. The production vortex generator configuration required only seven 3/4 inch high
vortex generators per wing shown in Figure 5. The effect on weight and drag were negligible.
NACELLE CHINE
The large vortex generator installed on the inboard side of the nacelle is commonly called a nacelle
chine as shown in the 767 photograph at the end of the article. These devices are used on both the
767 and 737 airplanes. Modem efficient aircraft utilize high bypass ratio engines mounted from pylons
off the wing. In order to minimize landing gear length (minimize weight) and to maintain adequate
runway clearance (minimize foreign object ingestion), the engines are installed in relative close
proximity to the wing as shown in Figure 6.
These vortices will break up and burst, causing the boundary layer air
over the wing behind the engine to separate. This results in lower
maximum lift levels than would be the case with less closely coupled
nacelles as shown in Figure 8.
The result is that Figure 9. Effect of the nacelle chine on the nacelle vortex
the lift loss
shown in Figure 9 is essentially regained as shown in Figure 10.
Repair and replacement of vortex generators is explained in the appropriate Maintenance Manual for
each model.
CONCLUSIONS
Vortex generators are a
valuable aerodynamic tool
which can be used by
aircraft designers to
enhance airplane flying
qualities. Judicious use of
vortex generators results
in optimum aerodynamic
characteristics over a wide
range of flight conditions
(e.g. from cruise flight to Figure 12. Approach speed & landing field length effect of nacelle chines
high g and/or high angle of
attack maneuvers into heavy buffet). The use of these devices on the new Boeing aircraft have
contributed to: