METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENHANCING ENGINE-POWERED LIFT IN AN AIRCRAFT

摘要

Lift produced by an airfoil of an aircraft is increased by suppressing fluid detachment from the surface of the airfoil. An engine cowling (102) extends outwardly from the surface of the airfoil that has an exit plane (202) configured for directing exhaust gases toward a rear of the aircraft. Fences (106, 107, 108, 109) extending outwardly from the surface and proximate to the exit plane of the engine cowling are configured to guide the exhaust gases along at least a portion of the airfoil surface, thereby restricting spanwise movement of the gases and increasing the Coanda Effect exhibited by the gases, thereby increasing the amount of lift produced along the surface of the airfoil. Such techniques may be used in short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft.