Transient Simulation of Aerodynamic Load Variations on Carrier-Based Aircraft During Recovery in Carrier Airwake

Carrier-based aircraft recovery is a critical and challenging phase in maritime operations due to the turbulent airwake generated by aircraft carriers, which significantly increases the workload of flight control systems and pilots. This study investigates the airwake effects of an aircraft carrier under varying wind direction conditions. A high-fidelity mathematical model combining delayed detached-eddy simulation (DDES) with the overset grid method was developed to analyze key flow characteristics, including upwash, downwash, and lateral recirculation. The model ensures precise control of aircraft speed and trajectory during landing while maintaining numerical stability through rigorous mesh optimization. The results indicate that the minimum lift occurs in the downwash region aft of the deck, marking it as the most hazardous zone during landing. Aircraft above the deck are primarily influenced by ground effects, causing a sudden increase in lift that complicates arresting wire engagement. Additionally, the side force on the aircraft undergoes an abrupt reversal during the approach phase. The dual overset mesh technique effectively captures the coupled motion of the hull and aircraft, revealing higher turbulence intensity along the glideslope and a wider range of lift fluctuations compared to stationary hull conditions. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing carrier-based aircraft recovery procedures, offering more realistic data for simulation training and enhancing pilot preparedness for airwake-induced disturbances.