Invariant Vortex-Force Theory Extending Classical Aerodynamic Theories to Transonic Flows

What is it about?

This work is an original contribution to the field of aircraft aerodynamic performance evaluation. It takes over previous works carried out on the vortex-force theory, a formulation able to predict the lift and the various components of the drag from the vortical character of the airflow surrounding the aircraft, in flight conditions relevant to high-capacity commercial aircraft. In this work, special care is bestowed to the relationship between this formulation and classical aerodynamic theories developed by pioneers at the beginning of the twentieth century. In light of this relationship, the vortex-force theory is here revised in order to develop a new formulation which directly bridges the gap between classical incompressible aerodynamics and viscous transonic aerodynamics. This new formulation also provides practical advantages to the designer.

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