VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
JNANA SANGAMA, BELAGAVI, KARNATAKA-590018
DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
PROJECT REPORT
“MODELLING AND AERODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF DELTA WING”
SUB CODE: 21AEP76
PRESENTED BY:
ABHAY JALINDAR KATORE (1HS21AE002)
SAGAR ANIL CHIDE (1HS21AE009)
MHATRE ATHARVA PRAVIN (1HS21AE019)
PAVANI K (1HS21AE033)
TOPIC:
MODELLING AND
AERODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF
DELTA WING.
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
3. OBJECTIVE
4. METHADOLOGY
5. SOFTWARE USED
6. MODELLING
7. ANALYSIS
8. CONCLUSION
INRODUCTION
Delta wings, characterized by their triangular planform and sharp leading-
edge sweep, are a cornerstone of modern aerospace design, particularly in
supersonic and high-maneuverability aircraft (e.g., Concorde, fighter jets like
the Eurofighter Typhoon). Their unique aerodynamic behavior, driven by
leading-edge vortices at high angles of attack, enables exceptional lift
generation even in post-stall regimes—a phenomenon critical for agile flight
performance. However, this complex flow physics also poses challenges in
predicting stability, drag, and vortex breakdown limits.
The project aims to model, and analyze the aerodynamic characteristics of
delta wings using advanced computational tools.
Vehicle Sketch Pad (VSP) is used for parametric geometry modelling,
while ANSYS Fluent performs Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
simulations to evaluate aerodynamic performance.
These wings generate strong vortex lift, reduce drag at supersonic
speeds, and provide enhanced stability, making them ideal for military
jets, UAVs, and space applications.
The research contributes to optimizing delta wing designs for modern
fighter jets, supersonic passenger aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAVs).
The study examines vortex formation, lift and drag characteristics,
pressure distribution, and flow behavior at different flight conditions.
TYPES OF DELTA WINGS
Basic Delta Wing: Simple triangular shape, good
for supersonic flight.
Cranked-Arrow Delta Wing: Improved low-
speed handling, used in Viggen.
Ogee Delta Wing: Used in Concorde for better
supersonic efficiency.
Highly Swept Delta Wing: Used in stealth and
hypersonic aircraft.
Blended Delta Wing: Integrated with fuselage
for reduced drag
ADVANTAGES OF DELTA WINGS
High Lift at High Angles of Attack – Delta wings generate strong leading-edge
vortices, which enhance lift, allowing for better maneuverability in fighter jets
and UAVs.
Efficient Supersonic Performance – The swept shape of the delta wing
reduces wave drag, making it ideal for supersonic aircraft like the Concorde
and fighter jets.
Structural Simplicity and Strength – The delta wing has a single, continuous
surface, which increases structural integrity and allows for higher load-
bearing capacity.
Improved Stall Characteristics – Unlike conventional wings, delta wings
experience gradual stall, making them more controllable at low speeds.
Compact Design – The shorter wingspan makes delta wings ideal for carrier-
based aircraft and stealth fighters requiring high maneuverability.
Better Control at High Speeds – Delta wings maintain stability at transonic
and supersonic speeds, reducing shockwave effects.
Lower Induced Drag at High Speeds – The aerodynamic shape reduces vortex
drag, improving fuel efficiency in supersonic cruise conditions.
LITERATURE SURVEY
SI.N AUTHOR YEAR RESEARCH WORK
O
1. Alexander Lippisch Early 20th Demonstrated the aerodynamic
century advantages of delta wings for
supersonic flight
2. Polhamus 1971 Introduced vortex lift theory
3. Kuethe and Chow 1998 Provided detailed insights into
flow separation and vortex
breakdown
4. Earnshaw and 1961 Demonstrated how vortex
Lawford structures influence pressure
distribution and lift generation,
emphasizing the importance of
leading edge extensions in
delaying flow separation.
5. Hoerner 1965 Empirical studies on wave drag
and pressure distribution.
6. Gupta et al. 2015 Used k-w turbulence models to
simulate vortex structures and their
effect on aerodynamic efficiency.
7. Ravindra et al. 2018 Performed high-fidelity CFD
simulations to study shockwave-
vortex interactions in supersonic
delta wings.
8. Heath et al. 2012 Highlighted VSP’s capability in
designing and optimizing wing
configurations.
OBJECTIVE
o Study and Analyze the aerodynamic characteristics
of a delta wing configuration.
o Understand Lift, Drag, and Stability properties of
delta wings compared to conventional wing designs.
o Explore Applications of delta wings in aircraft,
UAVs, and missiles.
o Evaluate Performance through theoretical
calculations, simulations, or experimental setups.
o Optimize Design by modifying parameters like
sweep angle, aspect ratio, and wing loading .
METHODOLOGY
The study of the delta wing begins with an extensive literature review, focusing on its
aerodynamic principles, historical evolution, and applications in aviation, including
supersonic aircraft and UAVs. A theoretical analysis is conducted to evaluate the lift,
drag, and stability characteristics using Thin Airfoil Theory and Vortex Lift Theory. To
gain deeper insights, a computational approach is employed through Computational
Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations using software like ANSYS or OpenFOAM, analyzing
airflow patterns, pressure distribution, and vortex formation. If applicable,
experimental validation is performed through wind tunnel testing to measure lift,
drag, and aerodynamic efficiency. The collected data from theoretical, computational,
and experimental methods are then compared to identify key performance
characteristics and potential optimizations. Finally, the results are analyzed to draw
conclusions on the effectiveness of delta wing designs and suggest future
improvements in aerodynamics and structural efficiency.
SOFTWARE USED:
Vehicle Sketch Pad (VSP) and ANSYS Fluent.
This project utilizes two key software tools for the design, modelling, and aerodynamic analysis
of the delta wing: Vehicle Sketch Pad (VSP) and ANSYS Fluent. These tools ensure a systematic
approach, from conceptual design to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.
VSP is a parametric geometry modeling tool developed by NASA for aerospace vehicle design. It
is used to create accurate 3D models of aircraft components, including wings, fuselages, and
control surfaces.
ANSYS Fluent is an advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool used to analyze airflow,
pressure distribution, and aerodynamic forces acting on the delta wing.
MODELLING
Computational Fluid Dynamics
(CFD)
Meshing: High-resolution structured mesh for
accuracy.
Meshing is performed using ANSYS Meshing,
which generates a high-quality computational
grid around the delta wing model.
Boundary Conditions:
• Inlet: Supersonic airflow.
• Outlet: Pressure outlet.
• Walls: No-slip boundary conditions.
ANALYSIS
The aerodynamic performance of the delta wing is evaluated through
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations in ANSYS Fluent.
The key parameters analyzed are velocity distribution, pressure
distribution, and turbulence characteristics to understand the
wing's aerodynamic efficiency at various flight conditions.
Higher Mach numbers show strong shock waves affecting stability.
Mach numbers tested for: *2, 3 , 4, 5*
• The velocity distribution around the delta wing is crucial in
understanding how airflow behaves over the surface.
• The pressure distribution on the delta wing provides insights into
lift generation and drag characteristics.
• Turbulence modeling is essential for predicting vortex breakdown,
flow separation, and aerodynamic stability.
FOR MACH 2
• Shockwaves begin forming, moderate pressure gradients.
• Vortex lift enhances stability, but minor flow separation
observed.
• Drag starts increasing, affecting efficiency.
FOR MACH 3
• Shockwaves, affecting lift-to-drag ratio.
• Higher pressure fluctuations, requiring stability control.
• Flow separation starts, impacting maneuverability.
FOR MACH 4
• Significant shockwave formation, requiring leading-edge optimization.
• Increased vortex instability, leading to drag penalties.
• Pressure distribution becomes uneven, affecting control.
FOR MACH 5
• Extreme shockwaves, intense turbulence near surfaces.
• Flow separation is severe, decreasing lift efficiency.
• Material considerations become crucial due to aerodynamic
heating.
CONCLUSION
This project provide valuable insights into the aerodynamic
characteristics of the delta wing, including lift, drag, vortex
formation, and flow behavior at different flight conditions. The
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations performed in
ANSYS Fluent allowed for a detailed evaluation of aerodynamic
forces and performance metric.
THANK YOU
