Control of Flow Separation on Trailing Edge Flap Using a Delta-Shaped Vortex Generators

Low-speed wind tunnel tests were performed to investigate aerodynamic effects induced by delta-shaped vortex generators installed on the upper surface of a trailing-edge flap. The vortex generator was applied to control the flow field around the trailing-edge flap where the flow was separated from the hinge line of the trailing-edge flap. The test results showed that the vortex generators increase the lift coefficient and the lift-to-drag ratio when the trailing-edge flap deflects to 30degrees. The leading-edge separation vortices formed from the delta-shaped vortex generators suppressed the flow separation on the trailing-edge flap. The height of the vortex generator geometrically changes depending on the trailing-edge flap deflection angles. Therefore, when the trailing-edge flap is not deflected such as cruise flight condition where the flow field is dominated by the attached flow, the vortex generator does not impose a penalty on the aerodynamic performance.