Modelling of Vortex-Induced Aviation Turbulence

TL;DR

This paper models aviation turbulence caused by vortex interactions, comparing point and finite-area aircraft models, and analyzing vertical and horizontal accelerations for different vortex orientations.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive vortex-tube interaction model considering aircraft size and orientation, enhancing turbulence prediction accuracy.

Findings

Finite-area aircraft model shows different acceleration profiles than point models.

Vortex orientation significantly affects the turbulence experienced by the aircraft.

Vertical and horizontal accelerations vary with vortex position and aircraft model.

Abstract

Aviation turbulence is modelled as an interaction between an aircraft and a vortex tube. The vortex tube can have an arbitrary orientation/offset with respect to the aircraft. We compare modelling the aircraft (i) as a point and (ii) having a finite area (wing and fuselage). We consider both vertical and horizontal acceleration experienced by the aircraft. The baseline vortex tube has an area which is of the order of the aircraft area.