Within the framework of the EC project "Eurowake", the task of DASA-Airbus was (apart from overall project coordination) to investigate a wind tunnel model of the Airbus A310 passenger transport aircraft. The investigation was carried out in the Low-Speed Wind Tunnel (LSWT) facility of DASA-Airbus Bremen.
The model represented a high-lift configuration typical for landing and was equipped with through-flow nacelles (TFN). Tunnel flow velocity was set at 60 m/s.
Five planes were surveyed behind the wing using five-hole probes. Vortex parameters investigated were vorticity, circulation, crossflow velocity and basic velocity components.
As a result typical for the A310, it was found that in the near field both flap and tip vortices were of the same strength (see figure). Previous investigations with the A321 have demonstrated that the flap vortex is of much greater strength than the tip vortex. Initial findings from our tests reveal that vortex characteristics may be influenced by appropriate wing and high-lift system design.
The effect of specific design parameters must be thoroughly investigated which will require comprehensive research on a multi-national basis. The European Commission provides an ideal platform to foster such investigations.