Passive Wingtip Vortex Control by Using Tip-Mounted Half Delta Wings in Ground Effect

Abstract

Abstract The ground effect on the wingtip vortex generated by a rectangular semiwing equipped with tip-mounted regular and reverse half delta wings was investigated experimentally. The passive tip vortex control always led to a reduced lift-induced drag as the ground was approached. In close ground proximity, the presence of the corotating ground vortex (GV) added vorticity to the tip vortex while the counter-rotating secondary vortex (SV) negated its vorticity level. The interaction of the GV and SV with the tip vortex and their impact on the lift-induced drag were discussed. Physical mechanisms responsible for the change in the vortex flow properties in ground effect were also provided.