Flow Field Study Over the Wing of a Fighter-Type Aircraft Model

An extensive experimental investigation to study the flow structure over the wing of a fighter type configuration model has been conducted. The model used for this study was similar to the High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) that has been used in various European research centers for studying its force and moment characteristics. Tests were conducted at two subsonic speeds and at low to moderate angle of attack. The wingsurface pressure distribution and velocity profiles at various angles of attack were measured. This investigation also included suction effects on the wing surface pressure signature. Smoke and tufts were used to visualize the flow over the wing. The results indicate formation of a relatively weak vortex over the wing surface at low angle of attack. As alpha increases, this vortex widens, covering a large portion of the wing, disappearing at moderate angle