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Passive control of wing-tip vortices through a grooved-tip design
Junchen Tan1,2, Shūji Ōtomo3,4, Ignazio Maria Viola1
1School of Engineering, Institute for Energy Systems, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB UK.
Experiments in Fluids
|October 21, 2025
Summary
Novel grooved wing tips effectively control tip vortices, significantly reducing pressure drop by 40% with minimal impact on lift and drag. This passive flow control method enhances aerodynamic and hydrodynamic system efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Hydrodynamics
- Vortex Dynamics
Background:
- Tip vortices generated by finite wings cause flow loss, noise, vibration, and cavitation.
- Effective control of tip vortices is crucial for improving efficiency in various wing- and blade-based systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and control of wing tip vortices using novel grooved-tip designs.
- To experimentally evaluate the impact of different grooved-tip configurations on tip vortex behavior and performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) for streamwise and cross-flow measurements to visualize flow fields.
- Developed and tested four distinct grooved-tip designs, including tilted and shrinking grooves.
- Employed a reduced-order model to estimate pressure drop based on vortex swirling strength.
Main Results:
- Grooved-tip designs significantly reduced velocity magnitude and suction within the primary tip vortex core.
- Tip separation vortex was suppressed, and primary tip vortex strength was mitigated.
- Observed reduced vortex swirling strength, enlarged vortex dimensions, and an estimated 40% reduction in pressure drop.
Conclusions:
- Grooved-tip designs offer an effective passive strategy for modifying tip vortex behavior and mitigating pressure drop.
- These designs show potential for enhancing performance in hydrofoils, turbines, and propellers with negligible changes to lift and drag.
- The findings support the development of advanced passive vortex control strategies for marine and aerospace applications.
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