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Vortex generators on laminar flow airfoils

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rtfm

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2008
Messages
3,900
Location
Brisbane, Australia
I was browsing the web this morning, and chanced upon vortex generators. After following several links, I came across a technical paper which stated:
It’s better to mount farther forward than too far aft from the leading edge. The permissible range is considered to be 6-10% of wing chord back from the leading edge to the front of vortex generator
That seems awfully far forward, but I guess on a turbulent airfoil that makes sense. But what about a laminar airfoil? The NACA737A415 (for example) is laminar to 40% of the upper chord surface. Why would one destroy all that lovely laminar flow with vortex generators placed at 10% of the chord?

I can't find any web references to laminar airfoils and VG's, but if one WERE to use them on a laminar airfoil, surely one would place them much further aft - close to the transition region? But when they are actually needed (at takeoff or landing) the laminar region of the wing is much reduced.

Mmmm My premature and half-considered conclusion is that VG's are no good on laminar airfoils.

Anyone have any knowledge regarding VG's?

Duncan
 
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