Bio-Inspired Flow Separation Control on Finite Wings Across Varying Time Scales
Abstract
In the effort to improve the flight performance of small aircraft in unsteady flight conditions, inspiration is taken from a lift-enhancing structure found on avian wings called the alula. A finite-span, forward-swept trailing edge, and unswept leading edge wing model was outfitted with alula-like vortex generators and tested in a wind tunnel at a mean-chord-based Reynolds number of 100,000. Alula deflection angles of
Fields of Study & Subjects
Plasma and Flow Control in Aerodynamics
Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms
Fluid Dynamics and Turbulent Flows
Publication details
- Journal / source
- AIAA SciTech Forum
- Publication date
- 8 January 2026