Computation and visualization of leading edge vortex flows

Abstract

The modeling of vortical flows is a continuing requirement for the design and analysis of flight vehicles. In this paper, the computation of leading edge vortices is considered. The solution of the laminar, thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations for a transonic delta wing is presented as a representative example. Issues relating to the visualization of the results are discussed, and illustrations using the newly developed software VISUAL3 on a Stardent graphics supercomputer are included.