subject: Golf Ball Dimples & Drag [print this page] A related device that is most commonly used on high performance fighters is the leadingedgeextention(LEX), like that shown above. Both the vortex generator and the LEX are primarily used to delay the flow separation that occurs when operating at high angles of attack near stall. As angle of attackincreases, the adverse pressure gradient along the airfoil becomes increasingly stronger. Once the stall angle is reached, the gradient becomes so strong that it forces the flow to separate resulting in a loss of lift or control effectiveness. The advantage of devices like vortex generators and leading edge extensions is that they force the flow to remain attached at higher angles of attack and increase the stall angle. This improvement gives planes likes fighters greater maneuverability while increasing the safety of commercial airliners.
