Predicting the near-field evolution of airplane trailing vortices

The near-field (up to about 20 spans) development of trailing vortices is investigated experimentally and numerically. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) results are based on the solution of quasi-3D Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with a one-equation turbulence model. The inclusion of turbulence effects is found to be essential to capturing the correct near-field development. The CFD results are shown to be in very good agreement with experimental wake-survey results out to ten spans. Results show that wing loadings typical of commercial airplanes in a landing configuration can lead to multiple, or single vortex pairs, at distances of fifteen to twenty spans downstream. To cite this article: M. Czech et al., C. R. Physique 6 (2005).