Vortex breakdown and its control on delta wings

In order to investigate the breakdown of vortices generated by the leading edge of delta wings, LDA-measurements have been performed in the flow on the suction side of a delta wing of aspect ratio A = 2. The measurements describe the growth of the vortex along the leading edge and reveal a certain radial structure upstream of the breakdown point. Moreover they shed light on the mechanism responsible for the onset of vortex breakdown on the suction side of a wing.

The occurrence of the breakdown phenomenon on a delta wing may be prevented or at least retarded by the use of spanwise blowing jets. The interaction of vortex and jets giving rise to these effects will also be discussed with the help of measured velocity profiles.