SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DESTABILIZING AN AIRFOIL VORTEX

摘要

Apparatuses and methods for the controlled trailing wake flows are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment is directed to an aircraft system that includes an airfoil (14) having first and second oppositely facing flow surfaces and a tip. The system can further include a vortex dissipation device (2230) carried by the airfoil, with the vortex dissipation device including a fluid flow nozzle (1590), a valve device (2231), and a controller (2233). The fluid flow nozzle can be coupleable to a source of pressurized fluid (2232) 'and can include an orifice (1591) positioned to direct a flow of fluid outwardly from the tip. The valve device can be coupled in fluid communication with the fluid flow nozzle to selectively control the flow passing through the orifice. The controller can be coupled to the valve device to direct the operation of the valve device. Accordingly, the vortex dissipation device can be activated to accelerate the rate at which vortices (e.g., wing tip vortices) dissipate after they are generated.