A Computational Model for the Analysis of Finite Wings in Potential Flow

A Non-Planar Vortex Lattice Method (VLM) has been combined with a Two-Dimensional Surface Panel Method for computing the aerodynamic characteristics of finite wings in incompressible inviscid flow. This numerical model can be applied to wings with thickness and arbitrary planform, and requires very little computing time when compared to Three-Dimensional Surface Panel Methods currently in use. The formulation of the present method is described in detail, and results from its application to three wing configurations are presented. The results obtained using the present method are compared with results obtained using the VSAERO code and with experimental data. Good correlation is demonstrated in all cases.