What is the purpose of vortex generators on wings and stabilizers?

What is the purpose of vortex generators on wings and stabilizers?

• A. They modify the flow to improve the boundary layer, enhancing performance and controllability at low speeds and high angles of attack.
• B. They generate lift at cruise.
• C. They store hydraulic fluid.
• D. They warm the leading edges.

Answer: (A)

Vortex generators energize the boundary layer on wings and stabilizers. By creating small, deliberate vortices, they mix higher-energy air from above with the slower air near the surface, delaying flow separation especially at high angles of attack and at low speeds. This helps keep the wing and tail surfaces attached to the air, maintaining lift and the effectiveness of control surfaces, which improves performance and controllability during stall or slow-flight conditions. They don’t generate lift themselves, nor do they store hydraulic fluid or heat the leading edges; those are separate systems.

Vortex generators energize the boundary layer on wings and stabilizers. By creating small, deliberate vortices, they mix higher-energy air from above with the slower air near the surface, delaying flow separation especially at high angles of attack and at low speeds. This helps keep the wing and tail surfaces attached to the air, maintaining lift and the effectiveness of control surfaces, which improves performance and controllability during stall or slow-flight conditions. They don’t generate lift themselves, nor do they store hydraulic fluid or heat the leading edges; those are separate systems.