I know that using aileron input in the approach to a stall is generally inadvisable; what if vortex generators are placed at the wingtip (where the ailerons sit), meaning that the ailerons will still have roll control authority available even when the rest of the wing is stalled? In this case, would aileron input be permissible?
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asked Jun 9, 2018 at 8:53
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1$\begingroup$ This question and answer will depend greatly on aircraft—especially wing—design. For example, certain common trainers can be quite stable in a wing stall, with substantial aileron and rudder control. VGs may be one way of aiding continued aileron control, but wingvtwist, or varied angle of incidence, or similar are other common approaches to that problem. See Cessna, Cirrus, and Quest designs. $\endgroup$– J WCommented Jun 9, 2018 at 11:06
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$\begingroup$ Okay@J Walters,I will👍 $\endgroup$– David TeahayCommented Jun 9, 2018 at 13:31
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$\begingroup$ Are you building a computer model, or are you intending to make a modification to an existing aircraft, or experimental aircraft? $\endgroup$– KorvinStarmastCommented Jun 9, 2018 at 16:27
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$\begingroup$ Am actually building an ultralight..... From scratch😊@KorvinStarmast $\endgroup$– David TeahayCommented Jun 9, 2018 at 17:03
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$\begingroup$ Recommend you include that detail in the question, since ultralights have their own unique problems to solve. $\endgroup$– KorvinStarmastCommented Jun 9, 2018 at 22:23
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2 Answers
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Vortex generators re-energize the boundary layer and can slightly postpone flow separation at high angles of attack. Therefore, adding them in front of a control surface is a realistic way of retaining authority. In fact there are real life examples:
That being said, these devices are a crutch that is best avoided on clean-sheet designs. They add drag in every flight condition in exchange for some more margin at high alpha, this margin could be achieved by designing the aircraft better in the first place. That is why you will mostly see vortex generators applied as fixes late in the design process or as outright aftermarket modification kits. This constant penalty is compounded by the extra maintenance needed to keep the VGs clean and in good condition.
Ultimately, re-energizing the boundary layer can only do so much to prevent separation. A hard down aileron input at high angle of attack can stall the wing even with VGs, they are not a silver bullet.
answered Oct 5, 2019 at 22:29
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I wouldn't dismiss them so lightly. On my Cessna Cardinal, the VGs from MicroAeroDynamics https://microaero.com/ did wonders to improve the airplane handling at slow speeds - the airplane is responsive at slow speeds now, has the same feel as at higher airspeeds (like 25-30mph faster), and really increased my confidence at low airspeeds. I used to fly out of a 1680 foot strip, coming in over tall trees. Hot days, low winds, it was a real challenge to get slow enough to get on the runway before midfield and stop before hitting the fence at the far end. After the VGs, it became no problem at all - so much easier to get the plane flying slower and still handle well, it was no problem to be on the ground well before the midfield mark and turning off before the end.
At the other end, there is no noticeable impact to top end speed of around 145mph at 24"mp/2400 rpm.
The only time I stall anymore is during flight reviews with instructors, and I have to really work to get the plane to stall, power off or power on. And when it finally does, just pushing the yoke forward recovers it immediately, with little wing dip to either side. Same with unusual attitude recovery, a little push and aileron correction and straight & level is returned.
