Trailing Vortex Attenuation Devices.

Trailing vortices generated by large aircraft pose a serious hazard to other planes. Numerous studies have been carried out to destroy them either before andor after their formation. The present investigation is a survey and critical assessment of all the known activepassive devices and wingtip modifications proposed to achieve vortex attenuation. It is concluded that some devices, such as the wing tip sails, have promise in affecting the vortex roll-up in the vicinity of the aircraft. However, more data and analysis on this and other devices are needed before they can be incorporated into existing aircraft or future designs.