Flow Channels for Vortex Control on Aerospace Stores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerospace vehicles experience undesirable vibration and buffet due to complex shock formations and separation regions caused by bodies such as refueling pods and weapons mounted on wings, especially at transonic speeds, which are difficult to mitigate with conventional mounting strategies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of strategically placed flow channels on the bodies, with a configuration that includes a channel length having a parallel and non-parallel portion, a leading edge separated from a trailing edge by a free edge, and an arcuate free edge, to control vortex strength and redirect flow to minimize shock formations and separation regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bodies such as refueling pods and weapons are mounted on wings of aerospace vehicles, then the functional requirements for carrying stores are met, but complex shock formations and separation regions are generated causing vibration and buffet
Solution Approach 1:
A flow channel is introduced as an intermediary device between the store and the wing. This flow channel modifies the airflow pattern by generating controlled vortices that act as a mediator to prevent direct interaction between the store-induced shock formations and the wing, thereby reducing vibration and buffet while maintaining the store-carrying capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful vortices and turbulent flow that naturally form around stores into a beneficial flow pattern. By strategically designing the flow channel geometry, the naturally occurring vortices are redirected to create a protective flow structure that reduces adverse aerodynamic interactions with the wing, transforming the harmful effect into a vibration-reducing mechanism
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the body is positioned as far forward of the wing as possible, then aerodynamic interactions are minimized, but integration restraints prevent optimal placement
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel serves as an intermediary that enables the store to be positioned in locations that would otherwise create excessive aerodynamic interactions. By introducing this flow-modifying device, the store can be placed in structurally convenient locations without suffering from the adverse aerodynamic effects that would normally result from such positioning
3Strength
If a blunt construction shape is provided in the rear region of the body, then structural requirements are met, but vortices and turbulences form downstream causing wing vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The blunt rear shape of the store, which naturally generates vortices and turbulence, is converted into a beneficial configuration through the flow channel. The flow channel is designed to harness these naturally forming vortices and redirect them into a controlled flow pattern that reduces adverse interactions with the wing, transforming the structural requirement into an aerodynamic advantage
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces or eliminates undesirable vibrations and buffet by altering the boundary layer and redirecting vortices away from the wing, improving aerodynamic stability during flight.
Implementation Method 1
The properties of these vortices depend on the shape of the bodies and the air speed of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
altering the boundary layer and redirecting vortices away from the wing
Implementation Method 3
the body can drive regions of complex shock formations and/or pockets of separation which act as primary sources for vibration and/or buffet
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to flow channels comprising a channel length having a first portion approximately parallel to the maximum waterline thickness location of a body and at least a second portion non-parallel thereto, a leading edge at a first end of the channel length, the leading edge separated from a trailing edge by a free edge along the channel length, the free edge projecting a predetermined height from an attaching edge attachable to at least a portion of the surface of the body, and at least a portion of the free edge being arcuate. A method comprises providing the fluid channel attachable to a body, modifying resultant vortices and reducing or minimizing shock formations or separation regions of the freestream.