XBradTC

By

XBradTC

·

Wingtip Vortex and Wake Turbulence

All wings produce a vortex airflow at the tip. The bigger the wing, the bigger the vortex. Interestingly, the slower the plane, the bigger the vortex as well.   The vortex tends to wash outward from the aircraft. But under certain circumstances, a slight crosswind can cause a vortex  to "hover"  over a runway  or approach…

All wings produce a vortex airflow at the tip. The bigger the wing, the bigger the vortex. Interestingly, the slower the plane, the bigger the vortex as well.   The vortex tends to wash outward from the aircraft. But under certain circumstances, a slight crosswind can cause a vortex  to "hover"  over a runway  or approach path. When we discuss the hazard of wake turbulence in aviation operations, that's what we're talking about. 

Ordinarily, such a vortex is invisible. But if you use a smoke system on the wingtips…

Tags:

Responses to “Wingtip Vortex and Wake Turbulence”

  1. Vmaximus

    radial engines are fascinating and have a wonderful sound. I would love to take one apart and see what makes it tick. I understand IC engines from a single cylinder to a W12 but cramming 5,7, 9 or 18 cylinders in such a short width makes me very curious. I have seen diagrams and to a lesser extent blueprints, but to put my hands on it would be amazing.
    I guess I have always been of the school of thought that until you can take it apart and put it back together a few times you don’t know what you are doing.

    Like

  2. George V

    Great demo of a phenomenon little known outside of aviation circles. Now, if we can find someone with a DC-10 or 747 who would be willing to strap huge smoke generators to the wingtips and run them while making a low pass at approach speed in landing configuration we’d probably see something akin to an F1 tornado off each wing. Lighter airplanes need to have a long separation when following heavy airliners on landing approach because of wingtip vortices. By lighter, I don’t mean Cessna 150’s, I mean tactical fighters.

    Like

  3. timactual

    Here ya go. Who needs smoke generators when mother nature provides her own?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfY5ZQDzC5s

    Like

Leave a comment