Detached-eddy simulation of the delta wing of a generic aircraft configuration

In this paper, the results of a Detached-Eddy Simulation (DES) of the burst vortex system over a delta wing using a structured, locally refined mesh is described. For evaluation of the simulation quality, averaged velocities are compared directly with the experiment, and an investigation of the instantaneous structure of the spiral burst of the primary vortex is presented. To assess the modelling characteristics, a comparison with an equivalent RANS technique is conducted, in which the topology of the time-averaged surface flow is discussed in relation to the global structure of the vortex system. The simulation of the single wing presented here constitutes the basis of ongoing investigations, and is thereby intended to represent the minimum simulation quality which could be obtained for a complete configuration.