Modified, Discrete-Vortex Method for Studying Wing-Loading Effects on Wake Dynamics

An inviscid model for calculating the roll up of wing-generated, vortical wakes has been developed. The model is shown to be an efficient means of studying the dynamics of the wake in the region from just behind the wing to the previscous-dissipation far field. The model is based on a modified discretevortex method that includes the near-wing effects of the wing-bound vorticity and the fact that the wake originates at the wing, rather than at minus infinity. Three-dimensional wakes are produced by connecting the two-dimensional wake contours at successive Trefftz planes. The inclusion of the near-wing effects is shown to have a relatively large influence on the wake's dynamics and final disposition. The inclusion of rotational cores is shown to aid in smoothing the wake roll up, but appears to have little effect on the wake's final dispersion radii.