The Effect of a Root Gap on the Aerodynamic Forces of a Slender Delta Wing in Oscillatory Pitching Motion

Abstract

SummaryAn investigation of the effect of a root gap is extended to the oscillatory pitching motion of a slender wing. Potential theory is used and the unsteady forces are shown to be reduced by the gap as drastically as the steady. These results cast doubt on measurements made by the technique of half-model testing. Viscous flow in the gap is discussed with reference to the possible types of model mount. The effect of viscosity may be to reduce the gap loss, but the extent of the improvement is uncertain.