This comprehensive reference brings together in one place all available information that has been generated over time, both through general research investigations and studies of specific configurations, on the aerodynamic effects induced by the exiting flows of jet and fan powered V/STOL aircraft in hover and transition flight. Authored by several of the foremost authorities in the field, here for the first time is an all-inclusive compilation of existing experimental data along with in-depth discussions on jet interference effects. For the working professional or those in engineering graduate programs, especially those involved with V/STOL, this book will prove an invaluable resource. It also provides the researcher with a starting point for future investigations that could be applied to new aircraft development programs. The unique characteristics of V/STOL flight bring with it unique aerodynamic challenges. This book describes the flow fields generated by the mixing of exit flows with surrounding and free stream air and their effects on the aircraft and the surrounding environment.These flows have differing effects depending on the aircraft configuration and if the aircraft is in hover or transitional flight. The aerodynamic/propulsion interactions affect the total lift, drag, and pitching moments, effectiveness of jet reaction control jets; ground effects; thrust loss, landing surface damage, and effects on the operational environment. Each of these issues is fully presented, illustrated, and discussed in detail. In addition, a chapter is devoted to present and future efforts in V/STOL research and how it relates to developing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods for analyzing and estimating the flow fields around these aircraft and their effects. Each of the book’s chapters includes an extensive list of references from which the material in that chapter is derived.
