Aerodynamic Interactions in Formation Flight for Wake Vortex Surfing

Chan, J. C., Hesse, H. and Wang, P. C. (2023) Aerodynamic Interactions in Formation Flight for Wake Vortex Surfing. In: AIAA AVIATION 2023 Forum, San Diego, CA and Online, 12-16 June 2023, (doi: 10.2514/6.2023-4221)

Abstract

Formation flight typically observed in migratory birds allows the trailing aircraft to benefit from surfing the updraft of the wingtip vortices generated by a leading aircraft. This results in higher lift and reduced fuel consumption for the trailing aircraft. However, the formation spacing in longitudinal, lateral, and vertical direction directly impacts the aerodynamics performance of the trailing aircraft. This paper aims to utilize computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool – OpenFOAM, to capture the wake vortex dynamics from the leading wing using URANS and LES turbulence models. The selected model is then utilized to explore the position of the trailing aircraft in formation and to determine the optimal spacing in terms of aerodynamic improvements in lift and drag.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Additional Information: The work is part of the Industrial Postgraduate Programme co-funded by the Economic Development Board of Singapore and ST Engineering Aerospace Ltd.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hesse, Dr Henrik
• Authors: Chan, J. C., Hesse, H., and Wang, P. C.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering
• Journal Name: AIAA AVIATION 2023 Forum
• Publisher: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc.
• First Published: First published in AIAA 2023:4221
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy