From pilot reports, field measurements and numerical simulations, it is known that wake vortices may persist within the glide path in ground proximity, leading to an increased encounter risk. This paper aims to investigate wake vortex behaviour during final approach and landing to understand why landings can be safe nevertheless. Further, it is investigated whether and to which extent the installation of plate lines beyond the runway tails may further accelerate wake vortex decay and thus improve safety by reducing the number of wake vortex encounters.

    Design/methodology/approach

    A hybrid numerical simulation approach is used to investigate vortex evolution from roll-up until final decay during the landing manoeuvre. The simulations are complemented by field measurement data accomplished at Munich Airport and at Special Airport Oberpfaffenhofen.

    Findings

    During touchdown, the so-called end effects trigger pressure disturbances and helical vortex structures that appear to ensure vortex decay rates in ground proximity needed to guarantee the required safety targets of aviation. Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) measurements indicate that vortex decay indeed can be accelerated by a plate line installed on the ground surface. The lifetime of the most safety relevant, long-lived and strongest vortices can be reduced by one-third.

    Practical implications

    The installation of plate lines beyond the runway tails may improve safety by reducing the number of wake vortex encounters and increase the efficiency of wake vortex advisory systems.

    Originality/value

    The novel numerical simulation technique and the acquired insights into the wake vortex phenomena occurring during landing as well as the demonstration of the functionality of the patented plate line provide high originality and value for both science and operational application.


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    Title :

    Enhanced wake vortex decay in ground proximity triggered by plate lines


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2016-03-07


    Size :

    9 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English





    Enhancement of aircraft wake vortex decay in ground proximity

    Stephan, Anton / Holzäpfel, Frank / Misaka, Takashi et al. | Online Contents | 2013


    Enhancement of aircraft wake vortex decay in ground proximity

    Stephan, Anton / Holzäpfel, Frank / Misaka, Takashi et al. | Springer Verlag | 2013



    Aircraft Wake Vortex Decay in Ground Proximity : Physical Mechanisms and Artificial Enhancement

    Stephan, Anton / Holzäpfel, Frank / Misaka, Takashi | German Aerospace Center (DLR) | 2012

    Free access