Ground-Based Measurements of the Wake Vortex Characteristics of a B-747 Aircraft in Various Configurations

Final report; Dec 1975-Jul 1978PDFTech ReportDOT-TSC-FAA-78-28FAA-RD-78-146FA-905/R9111Acoustic measuring instrumentsAcousticsAircraftAltitudeAnemometersFlaps (Aircraft)Flow visualizationGround effectJet transportsLaser doppler velocimetersVelocimetersMeasurementSensorsSpoilersVelocityVorticesWakesUnited StatesUnited States. Federal Aviation AdministrationBurnham, David C.Hallock, James N.Tombach, I. H.Brashears, M. R.Barber, M. R.John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, (U.S.)Federal Aviation AdministrationNTL-AVIATION-AVIATIONNTL-AVIATION-Air Traffic ControlNTL-AVIATION-Airports and FacilitiesNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Safety/AirworthinessVolpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference CenterA Boeing 747 aircraft flew 54 passes at low altitude over ground based sensors. Vortex velocities were measured by a laser Doppler velocimeter, an array of monostatic acoustic sounders, and an array of propeller anemometers. Flow visualization of the wake was achieved using smoke and balloon tracers and was recorded photographically. Data were obtained on vortex velocity fields, vortex decay, and the effects of spoilers and differential flap settings on the dissipation and structure of the vortices