Segment V4.2: Flow Past a Wing

(Related to Textbook Section 4.1.2 - One-, Two-, and Three-Dimensional Flows)

Most flows involve complex, threedimensional, unsteady conditions. The flow past an airplane wing provides an example of these phenomena.

The flow generated by an airplane is made visible by flying a model Airbus airplane through two plumes of smoke. The complex, unsteady, three-dimensional swirling motion generated at the wing tips (called trailing vorticies) is clearly visible. An understanding of this motion is needed to ensure safe flying conditions, especially during landing and take-off operations where it can be dangerous for an airplane to fly into the preceding airplane's trailing vorticies. (Video copyright ONERA.)