Effect of Vortex Interaction in Delta Winglet Type Vortex Generators with Slots.

Vortex generators (VGs) can delay boundary layer separation, generate swirl, and cause flow destabilization in aerodynamic applications. VGs can also be used to enhance convective heat transfer in thermal systems. In the past, different approaches have been brought forward to increase vortex strength by using the interactions between multiple VG arrays or adjusting the VG parameters as its height and angle of attack. In this paper, experiments were performed on delta-shaped VGs in a miniature wind tunnel setup. One set of VGs had a slot across its spanwise direction, while another set of solid VGs was used a baseline for data comparison. The purpose of the novel slot VG design is to exploit the interaction between the primary vortex, induced by the VG at its leading edge, and the secondary vortex generated by the air passing through the slot. Results of different VG configurations such as different VG's angle of attack respect to the air flow and different slot topologies were compared and discussed.