Wing/vortex interactions and wing rock

Separated flow and vortex induced rotary motion of various wings and airpla ne configurations is discussed with emphasis on the limit cycle roll oscill ations, commonly referred to as 'wing-rock'. Description of this phenomenon , based on numerous experimental observations, demonstrates the role of the leading edge vortices in driving the motion. An effort is made to group re sults of previous experimental and theoretical work in order to provide a ' possible wing rock envelope' in terms of flight conditions and vehicle geom etry. In the case of slender airplanes with highly swept wings, naturally p rone to limit cycle oscillations, control methods are surveyed demonstratin g the potential to reduce or even eliminate the wing rock motion. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.