Control of wingtip vortices via inhomogeneous jet injection

This experimental project aims to investigate the control of wingtip vortices through the injection of variable-density jets into the vortex core, with the objective of accelerating their destabilisation and decay. This approach is motivated by the significant applied relevance of such vortices, which contribute to the formation of condensation trails in aircraft wakes and, consequently, to aviation-induced radiative forcing. The primary diagnostic technique employed is time-resolved Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), enabling precise quantification of the vortex dynamical response to the induced perturbations. The project builds upon recent numerical findings from the research group, which demonstrated considerable transient growth potential in variable-density vortices, as well as preliminary experimental measurements already successfully carried out on the department’s test bench.