On the influence of small-dimensional elements on the aerodynamics of supercritical wings

The physics of flow modern supercritical wings is defined by the very high requirements to the intensity and extent of local supersonic zones, so as to provide a low level of wave drag at cruise regimes. Any, even small changes in the wing geometry can have a significant effect on the flow behavior, both at the design regime and in the entire operational range of speeds and angles of attack. Despite the development of computational methods, the analysis of the aircraft layout, including high-lift devices, engine nacelles and small-sized elements such as fairings of the flap, etc., influencing local aerodynamics of the wing remains a very difficult task, which requires a lot of efforts for different-scale meshing and correct treatment of the results obtained. This article presents the results of systematic experimental studies on the effect of small-sized elements (ridges and cut-offs at the leading edge of the wing, passive vortex generators on the engine nacelle and fuselage, fairings of the flap) on aerodynamics of aircraft models.