Wing buffet

Q criteria and shock wave (color: Mach number)

Wing buffet in aviation history refers to a phenomenon where an aircraft experiences a temporary, rhythmic shaking or vibration of the wings or tail due to disturbed airflow. This is often caused by turbulent air from stalled or separated flow over the wings, or from flying at high speeds near the speed of sound (Transonic buffet). Historically, wing buffet has been a significant concern, especially in fighter aircraft and high-speed aircraft, as it can lead to fatigue damage, control difficult...

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Cause:

Wing buffet is primarily caused by flow separation, where the airflow no longer adheres smoothly to the wing surface. This separation can occur at high angles of attack, high speeds, or near the speed of sound.

Wing Buffet Research Video

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Effect:

The resulting turbulent airflow generates unsteady pressure fluctuations that excite the wing structure, causing it to vibrate. This vibration can be felt as a rumble or shake by the pilots and passengers.

Historical Significance:

• Fighter Aircraft: In fighter aircraft, buffet is a common phenomenon during maneuvers at high speeds, and it can limit the flight envelope.
• High-Speed Aircraft: Transonic buffet (occurring near the speed of sound) has been a significant design challenge in high-speed aircraft, especially during the early development of supersonic flight.
• Design and Flight Testing: Understanding and predicting buffet onset is crucial for aircraft design and flight testing, as it can affect structural integrity, handling qualities, and performance.

Buffet vs. Flutter:

Buffet is a transient disturbance, while Flutter is a sustained, self-amplifying oscillation that can lead to structural failure.

Examples:

• Stall Buffet: As an aircraft approaches a stall, the airflow over the wing becomes turbulent, and this can cause a buffet on the tail surfaces.
• Transonic Buffet: This type of buffet occurs when an aircraft approaches the speed of sound, and it can lead to significant shaking and vibrations.

In conclusion, wing buffet is a significant phenomenon in aviation history, with historical impacts on aircraft design, flight testing, and pilot awareness. Understanding and mitigating buffet effects has been a continuous challenge and area of research in the field of aerodynamics.