Vortex generator - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 1 of 4

Vortex generator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A vortex generator is an aerodynamic surface, Vortex generator

consisting of a small vane or bump that creates a
vortex.[1][2] Vortex generators can be found on many
devices, but the term is most often used in aircraft
design.[1]

Vortex generators delay flow separation and

aerodynamic stalling; they improve the effectiveness
of control surfaces[2] (e.g., Embraer 170 and
Symphony SA-160). For swept-wing transonic
designs, they alleviate potential shock-stall problems
(e.g., Harrier, Blackburn Buccaneer, Gloster Javelin).

After-market Micro Dynamics vortex generators

Contents mounted on the wing of a Cessna 182K

■ 1 Method of operation
■ 2 After-market installation
■ 3 Increase in maximum takeoff weight
■ 4 Maximum landing weight
■ 5 References
■ 6 See also

Method of operation
1967 Model Cessna 182K in flight
Vortex generators are likely to be found on the external surfaces showing after-market vortex
of vehicles where flow separation is a potential problem because generators on the wing leading edge
vortex generators delay flow separation. [3] On aircraft they are
installed on the front third of a wing in order to maintain steady
airflow over the control surfaces at the rear of the wing.[2] They
are typically rectangular or triangular, about 80% as tall as the
boundary layer, and run in spanwise lines near the thickest part
of the wing.[1] They can be seen on the wings and vertical tails of
many airliners. Vortex generators are positioned in such a way
that they have an angle of attack with respect to the local airflow.
[1]

A vortex generator creates a tip vortex which draws energetic, TA-4SU Super Skyhawk showing
the row of vortex generators on the
rapidly-moving air from outside the slow-moving boundary layer
drooped leading edge slats.
into contact with the aircraft skin. The boundary layer normally
thickens as it moves along the aircraft surface, reducing the
effectiveness of trailing-edge control surfaces; vortex generators can be used to remedy this problem,
among others, by "re-energizing the boundary layer".[1][2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vortex_generator 1/5/2011