Aero-Terms!

Aero-Terms are designed to be a daily reminder of the terms, names, acronyms and explanations of the unique language that populates the aviation world. Aerospace, sport aviation, fixed wing, helo, you name it... it's all fair game.

Aero-Terms should serve as a quick but intriguing reminder of the terms you may use every day, or an introduction to an aspects of the Aero-World you may not yet be familiar with. ANN also encourages readers to go beyond the FMI link, and further research any intriguing terms.

Suggestions for future Aero-Terms are ALWAYS welcome, as are additions or discussion of the explanations given for each Aero-Term.

Vortex Generator

A vortex generator is a complementary pair of small low-aspect-ratio airfoils. Generally mounted at opposite angles of attack to each other and perpendicular to the aerodynamic surface they serve, vortex generators improve high- and low-speed characteristics. Like any airfoil, vortex generators develop lift and very strong tip vortices. These tip vortices cause air to flow outward and inward in circular paths around the ends of the airfoils. The vortices generated have the effect of drawing high-energy air from the outside boundary layer into the slower moving air close to the skin. The strength of the vortices is proportional to the lift developed by the airfoils of the generator.

FMI: http://aviationglossary.com