Theoretical study of lift generated vortex sheets designed to avoid roll up

Abstract

The random motions of the vortex elements behind a wing that sheds a disturbed, translating array of vortices are analyzed. The analysis indicates that the wake would diffuse and decay rapidly when viscosity is present and would produce small rolling moments on encountering aircraft. It was found that comparable results could also be achieved with an array consisting of vortices that are equal in magnitude but which alternate in sign. This observation indicates that random motion can probably be achieved with a variety of stepped loadings.