Flow over 50o Delta Wings with Different Leading-Edge Radii

The experimental study focuses on the effects of the leading-edge radius on the flow over 50º swept delta wing models. Three models were tested, one model has a sharp leading edge and two other have a semi-circular leading edge of different radius. The vortical flow on and off the surface of the models was investigated using an oil-flow visualization and a Stereo Particle Image Velocimetry (SPIV) technique. The leading-edge radius is shown to affect the location, size and strength of the vortices and also the vortex core breakdown location over the models. As a result of this, the forces and moment acting on a 50o delta wing are also affected. The study further shows that the structure of the flow over such a wing is weakly dependent on Reynolds number.