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There rarely seem to be quantum leaps in practical aviation technology (B-21 notwithstanding or unless Boom takes everyone by surprise and succeeds).
Advancements seem mostly to be incremental in nature but that’s not always a bad thing and this one being developed by Boeing sounded interesting enough that I thought it was worth a post.
So many kits, so little time …
Neat stuff Tom,
I couldn’t read the original article as it’s on LinkedIn but found what I believe is the same article on the Ecodemonsrator 777.
The smart vortex generators are pretty amazing. I’m not an engineer but my believe is that vortex generators are kind of a band aid to reduce turbulent air. The better a plane is designed the less need for vortex generators. Comparing the original 737, the Classic, and Next Generation the newer planes have considerably less vortex generators. Still there will likely always be a need for them and smart ones are pretty cool.
Ken
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Thanks for sharing the more detailed article Ken. Sorry, I didn’t realise you needed a LinkedIn account to read articles copied from there.
I just tried to post another one from there but will avoid that in future.
So many kits, so little time …
Greetings!
Vortex generators have been commonly used as a band aid to fix localized flow problems on many aircraft, and sometimes, as on recently seen 737s, as a fix to cockpit noise.
The 767 had them fitted to fix a pitch stability problem in the approach configuration, and they notified all operators who had ordered the airplane of this before the 767 had even flown. Boeing gave the carriers the option of an artificial fix using software or using the vortex generator method which is what was chosen.
You may note that the 707/720 had two rows of them on each wing top plus a row on the bottom of the horizontal stabilizer. The C/KC-135 did not have them fitted on the wing although aerodynamically it is the same wing, but it is a slower airplane. The Convair 880 had a single row just ahead of the aileron, and the 990 did not have any on the wing, but had them on the top and bottom of the horizontal stabilizer, I believe to provide improved pitch response on the elevator.
These new “Smart Vortex Generator” ideas show that the use of vortex generators is far from dead. As a funny aside, I have heard of vortex generator usage being described as “The Horns Of Ignorance” by many aerodynamicists. Well, as they say, whatever works!
I saw some photos of the Samaritans Purse DC-8-72 showing a row of 30-31 vortex generators fitted on the wing top just where the leading edge and the forward spar meet and they are mounted from inboard of engine pylons 1 and 4 to out near the wing tip. This is a first for me. Have any of you seen this? I have never heard or read of anything like this before, so if anyone has any information, please share it with us here.
Best regards,
Jeff Jarvis
God's "Curse" to aviation!
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