An experimental program to address the flow physics of high left systems is being undertaken at Notre Dame under NASA sponsorship. A research program is being conducted to investigate confluent boundary layers and relaminarization. The maneuvering performance of an aircraft depends on its rolling characteristics. Dynamic rolling motions such as wing rock, wing drop and heavy wing are motions that are not commanded by the pilot. These unwanted rolling motions can seriously compromise the performance and safety of the aircraft.
Flow separation is believed to be the underlying cause of most flight dynamic phenomena.
The goal of the research is to provide a better understanding of the flow physics that create the aerodynamic characteristics that can cause unexpected roll excursions. Nonlinear dynamical systems theory may provide a means of detecting potential flight dynamic problems early in the design phase. Of particular interest is whether identification of critical states in static aerodynamic measurements can be used to predict unwanted rolling motions.