Low-Order Modeling of Wingtip Vortices in a Vortex Lattice Method

What is it about?

The tip vortex is a quintessential feature of wing aerodynamics. A class of wing aerodynamic prediction methods called vortex-lattice methods, which are often used for rapid analysis in aircraft design and aerodynamic modeling, models the tip vortices assuming attached flow at the tips. While this assumption is reasonable for high-aspect-ratio wings, it leads to inaccurate results for low-aspect-ratio wings. We present a tip-vortex model for use in vortex lattice methods that results in improved prediction of the vortex structure, and forces and moments on low-aspect-ratio wings.

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