Stability of symmetric and asymmetric vortex pairs over slender conical wings and bodies

Theoretical analyses are presented for the stability of symmetric and asymmetric vortex pairs over slender conical wings and bodies under small perturbations in an inviscid incompressible flow at high angles of attack and sideslip. The three-dimensional problem of a pair of vortices over slender conical wings and bodies is reduced to a problem in two dimensions by using the conical flow assumption and classical slender-body theory. The stability of symmetric and asymmetric vortex pairs over flat-plate delta wings, slender circular cones, and elliptic cones of various thickness ratios are examined. Results are compared with available experimental data.