Vortex Dynamics of Delta Wings

The typical angle of attack for maximum lift of a delta wing is about 35°, which is much higher than for a two-dimensional airfoil. The delta wing is, therefore, suitable for highly maneuverable aircraft. In this paper, experimental results for delta wings is reviewed. The review is made from the perspective of fundamental fluid dynamic mechanisms. In particular, the balance between vorticity generation on the surface and freestream convection of it is used to understand how different parameters affect the leading edge vortices which dominate the aerodynamics of a delta wing at high angles of attack.

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