Flow past a delta wing with a sinusoidal leading edge: Near-surface topology and flow structure

Abstract

The near-surface flow structure and topology on a delta wing of low sweep angle, having sinusoidal leading edges of varying amplitude and wavelength, are investigated using a stereoscopic technique of high-image-density particle image velocimetry at a Reynolds number of 15,000. Identification of critical points, in conjunction with surface-normal vorticity and velocity, provides a basis for determining the effectiveness of a given leading edge. At high angle of attack, where large-scale three-dimensional separation occurs from the wing with a straight leading edge, an amplitude of the leading-edge protuberance as small as one-half of one percent of the chord of the wing can substantially alter the near-surface topology. When the amplitude reaches a value of four percent of the chord, it is possible to completely eradicate the negative focus of large-scale, three-dimensional separation, in favor of a positive focus of attachment. Moreover, alteration of the near-surface topology is most effective when the ratio of the wavelength to amplitude of the sinusoidal leading edge is maintained at a small value. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.