Performance and flow visualization of Sukhoi Su-30MKI like model using GAMA water tunnel

Abstract

The flow visualization of Sukhoi Su-30MKI like-model using GAMA water tunnel has been conducted to investigate the vortex dynamics on canard and main wing. This work aimed to observe the aerodynamic force and the vortex-dynamic phenomenon. The water tunnel is an effective visualization method to determine the vortex-dynamic phenomenon which was used in this research. The usage of water tunnel would make it easier to reveal the phenomenon that occurred. The results of GAMA water tunnel experiment showed the aerodynamic force and vortex dynamics phenomenon on the model of Su-30MKI aircraft. The increasing of lift force was started from a small angle of attack (AoA) to a maximum value at an angle of 45 degrees. The maximum lift value on the test using GAMA water tunnel was about 1.38. The vortex dynamics have been particularized using observation of vortex core formation and vortex breakdown location. The higher of AoA caused unstable vortex core flow so that the vortex breakdown location would lead to leading edge.