A theoretical and computational study on the effects of leading edge lateral blowing on delta wing aerodynamics

The aerodynamics of slender delta wings are dominated by the vortical flowfield created by the leading edge vortices. Because these vortices play such a significant aerodynamic role, this study investigates how to further enhance their favorable influence. In particular, it examines the effect of using leading edge lateral blowing to artificially alter and control their development, thereby increasing the maneuverability and control of an aircraft.;Experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches have been used to study the aerodynamic aspects of leading edge lateral blowing. Building on the results of Celik's experiments with leading edge lateral blowing, this study developed a theoretical model to analyze the origin of the aerodynamic forces and the effects of various parameters such as the angle of attack or the jet ejection angle. This model, however, did not explain the control reversal phenomenon and the higher efficiency of partial slot blowing compared to full slot blowing observed in the experiments. CFD was then used to obtain a detailed description of the flowfield that did account for these phenomena. The underlying mechanisms and physics of this blowing scheme were determined by examining the computational results.;Finally, to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this blowing scheme as a lift and roll control mechanism, the theoretical model was extended to the dynamic case. The model was coupled with the equation of motion of the wing to capture wing rock. The effects of leading edge lateral blowing and a simple open loop control law were then added, which successfully eliminated the wing rock.