How do Vortex Generators Work?

[@RealEngineering]

Loved this. Thanks Samm

[@thepolishdude2194]

Real Engineering rip Sam

[@spongebobtentacles5393]

Hey why you guys have only 61 likes you are famous

[@kristoffergaard8648]

HEY! I know you!

[@zhurs-mom]

Actually i came here beacuse of the aurora video

[@Fy12-c5p]

Love your channel

[@briansmobile1]

You not only provided the information to be easily understood, but laid a trail for further study and gave credit to your sources. That's character right there. Thumbs up.

[@tajarv]

Amazingly well done. Thank you

[@headkickko609]

It just saddens me to hear a guys voice and see his marvellous mind at work and find out through comments he has passed away. Rest in peace Sam.

[@bruh7230]

God damn Rip

[@kurniadi9829]

GOSH! Just feel awful to learn the news. Just know you today and you are already gone. Rest in peace. Thanks for the wonderful sharings. God bless you.

[@pmrb1984]

This is sad news! How he Died?!

[@SparkTechUg]

So Sorry...may his soul continue to rest in eternity

[@liammartin8773]

so ahead of his time man

[@jimross898]

My heart aches. So much talent. Inquisitive mind. Ability to demonstrate complex subjects in simple terms. Thank you for your work, Samm. It lives on and provides guidance for others like me who aren't so bright. May you rest in peace. You and this channel are a gift that keeps on giving. May your family find solace in that.

[@Kabab]

I think about Sam at least every couple months. He was such a great guy. I never even met him in person and we worked so well together. I can only hope there's something beyond life for him to exist in. He was just too wonderful of a person.

[@liammartin8773]

​@@Kabab what happened? howd he pass?

[@Kabab]

@@liammartin8773 unfortunate motorcycle accident. Such a fantastic guy. The world really lost someone special that day.

[@propellerplaneprods]

Pro pilot, former aero engineer, and Rc dude here.... Great video, wonderful visualization and outstanding explanation!

[@SammSheperd]

You sound like my kind of guy, thanks for the comment!

[@RenKnight347]

@@SammSheperd Vortex generators ideal location, with respect to the wings on your rc model, would be to have them, right where you positioned them to help in keeping the all important airflow going across the upper surfaces of the ailerons. This aids in reducing the possible chances of a wingtip stall by keeping the ailerons effective that much longer during high angles of attack. The closer the angle of attack (imaginary line, also known as the wing's chord line, extending from trailing edge through the leading edge on the cross section of the wing, with respect to the relative wind) approaches to somewhere between 17 to 20 degrees, the stall will occur. Vortex generators allow the wings to get closer to that 20 degrees mark within a margin of safety. I have even seen them used on the bottom side of the horizontal stabilizer for aiding in helping the elevator stay effective should the aircraft become in a high angle of attack, NOSE DOWN attitude.

[@zaggery]

"then I was quickly reminded I had no idea how to use this thing...." That was the best part of the video. =)

[@norbert.kiszka]

In computer software its very often - when You dont have manual, its complicated soft or You just dont wanna read manual that can be printed on 5000 pages long...

[@acecomer98]

As an aerospace engineer myself, I can say that it's nice to see others, not in my field, that enjoy flow theory. Great video, nice short yet explanitive video.

[@vito7056]

Most relatable moment @ 4:21

[@izzyman556]

I laughed out load when he said that, Feels like me on so many levels lol

[@poseidongaming8322]

This joke felt like a casually explained video, he even has a similar voice.

[@CaseyBarmakian]

I was about to leave the same comment.

[@chrisboyce6542]

If you are not a teacher then you should be, our youth needs somebody like you to demonstrate how things work and lead their minds to question why , your explanations are concise and more over interesting. You are doing a great job of teaching and keeping OLD DOGS like me interested and learning more thanks for you work. Chris

[@SammSheperd]

Thank you! That means a lot

[@johnlbales2773]

Samm Sheperd Yes, you are doing great things, but I'm worried about your health. Do you sleep? I came across your backpack video and this is my 2nd video of yours I've watched & enjoyed. In the aftermath of the pack fire, dude just don't burn your your candle at both ends. You knew better than to not test it on the bench first. That could have gone a lot worse in a hurry. Bring a multi level fire extinguisher next time. It was like you didn't go thru your preflight checklist just because your feet were on the ground. Make time to just unplug and chill a couple of times a week at the least. Better would be every day, like one hour at morning or before bed. I want to see some color in your face and visible signs that you are taking care of yourself. All the best.

[@slevinshafel9395]

Yeah this we need at University. Not only formulas how no one understund from where they come.

[@richardperry21]

Chris, did you not here he was getting his CFI???

[@richardperry21]

SORRY: (CFI) = CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

[@SammSheperd]

In Short:What they do: They help air to flow around things (shrink the wake/separation bubble) and help air stay attached to sloping away surfaces (like wings at large angles of attack.) How they do it: They "energize" the boundary layer by mixing the slow layers with fast layers. Vortex generators are nothing fancy. Any little fin sticking in the air at an angle to the wind will work. there are even other non "fin" type objects that work. (like an "air tab") The back side of a cyliner or my rear windshild can be thought of like a wing at a high angle of attack! Airflow separation and stalling an airplane wing are the same thing. Wings can stall also because of sharp leading edges, making the airflow separate suddenly up front instead of starting from the back. This leads to abrupt and "sharp" stall characteristics.

[@bjornkok2061]

+Samm Sheperd (SNRS) so basically what you are saying that if you put these vortex generators on a car they whould reduce drag thus increasing fuel efficiency. but i wonder would this work better on hatchbacks/station-wagons that have the backend of a brick compared too the more tapered back of a sedan as you have shown?

[@badassaviator5040]

What is the name of the wind tunnel programs you use called?

[@jimmaccauley]

If you added some vortex generators to the underside of the car in line with the rear wheels would it result in a net reduction in drag from the seperation bubble without the loss of traction for the rear wheels?

[@SammSheperd]

I do have some vg's down there. But under car aerodynamics is a whole focus. This article is kinda neat www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&title=Modifying-UnderCar-Airflow-Part-1&A=113181

[@flyer5769]

No it wouldn't reduce drag. All you be doing is changing it from parasite to induced drag. Like he said the vortex generators caused the air to stay with the slope of the back of the car. Creating aerodynamic lift. Which causes induced drag.

[@spinosaurusrex11]

One of the best explanations of drag and aerodynamic friction I have encountered. So sorry this fine young man is no longer with us.

[@misterlocapone6604]

Wow, so articulate and precise with your talking. Very pleasing and informational video. 10/10

[@copiercer]

As a "NOT an aerospace engineer", I would have to say your doing pretty well... LOL.

[@AugustusTitus]

He's right, you know. You're a good 1/4 into an AE.

[@ghg789987]

Im so close. Got another year and a half and ill have my AE degree!

[@JorgetePanete]

Chris Rohrer you're*

[@kirbylee57]

What is an AE degree?

[@ladieman050893]

Aerospace Engineer,sub branch of mechanical engineering

[@henrysteele9840]

Dude. This was excellent. Simply laid out enough for your average person to get a feel for what's going on, but detailed enough to provide good info for at least a junior-level engineering student. Excellent use of graphics. I have found a new person to follow on KZbin.

[@NeedANewHandleForYT]

As a senior in college studying aerospace engineering I loved this video. It seems to be accurate and you explained it better than my aerodynamics professor did. Great video, keep up the good work!

[@gayebkhan5606]

He passed away in an accident :'(

[@NeedANewHandleForYT]

@@gayebkhan5606 Oh my goodness, that is so sad!

[@MentourPilot]

Thats awesome man! I will probably use some of your stuff and link to your channel in a coming video I will make about 737 vortex generators. I will link to you, of course!

[@SammSheperd]

That’s no problem! Nice to see you here!

[@83abhinavnigam]

Oh man, we had a great loss

[@أبوربيع-ح5ص]

@@traxiii أخي ممكن تبعتلي موقع ناسا

[@AndrewNewton]

Brilliant Sam. Excellent explanation and illustrations. I learned a lot.

[@stephenm3874]

What you have in abundance is talent and insight. I once led a team of high level web application programmers, many with advanced degrees. The standout was a friend of mine with a GED and he blew away most of them. Never underestimate pure enthusiasm.

[@BigMilan]

It’s always great to see fluid dynamics simulations - especially backed by the real world experiments. The rc plane wings make it very obvious how much difference it makes :)

[@timmyfriday2718]

Finally, an understandable bloody explanation of wingtip vortices! Thanks mate ... the difference between the explanations of a curious person and merely an educated person is huge, and you nail it!

[@JETZcorp]

Dude, this video is beyond quality. The animated visuals were tremendous.

[@hackerofawesomeness]

I've seen people talk about vortices so many times before but you're the first person to really explain how they work in a way that I could understand.

[@MrZorroZorroZ]

Rest In Peace Samm. You were a great engineer and an even better teacher. We will miss you :(

[@londart7040]

Hey Sam I am a 7000 hr flight instructor and I really enjoy watching your videos your use of your energy reminds me of my youth the future is yours, blue skyz .

[@mrcannotfindaname]

What you have explained in less than 5 mins is worth university lecturer 2 hours of pay. (comment from an undergraduate)

[@gillesbkf4315]

mrcannotfindaname, well there isn’t any calculation, yesterday I had a course on exactly this topic, but after 2h we were able to compute forces like drag or lift. That’s the little difference.

[@Vysair]

@@gillesbkf4315 Im sure with good video like this you can dramatically reduce the amount it took to learn the calculation behind this because a video can reveal more information and easier to understand than what was drawn and written on a whiteboard with a lecture.

[@cephalonplant4087]

@@Vysair we all know if colleges and universities were meant to be effective in teaching properly they wouldnt need to charge a single person 20k or more to learn what they need for the career

[@gillesbkf4315]

Vysair its actually not a white bord, it’s on a kind of power point but the professor annotates it a bit, and goes freaking fast. It’s at the EPFL, is some ratings it figures in top 5 world wide universities 🤷‍♂️

[@tkdboy0182]

@@gillesbkf4315 And gain an appreciation of the governing equations that allow you to do this

[@MrJojo8675]

Your imaginative and enrhusiatic approach to discovery and understanding has been proven to be far more effectual, than the academic, stick in the mud, uninspired method. Thanks for sharing your inspirational efforts.

[@findingpebble8615]

(I just saw he passed away... Rest In Peace Samm) Im proud of my Samm's ! good job man , your way of explaining is very easy to follow along. getting ready to take my O&P so im just reviewing as much as I can. THANK YOU SAMM! - Samm G.

[@marsstepper]

fun. all the info was interesting and loved all the diagrams. what I loved even more is than you said your skill in the topic. too many people on KZbin don't want to admit it, but its greatly appreciated. GL with your future project.

[@atw98]

Still hard to believe we have been robbed of ever learning and being entertained by Sam ever again. R.I.P Mate....

[@theg0ldenrati0]

Wow.... I happened in here from a random thought stream reaching critical curiosity. I have never been so happy to have found such quick and concise information about what I was curious about. Short, sweet, to the point. You didn't ask me to like or subscribe, and you didn't go on ridiculous tangents or take 3 minutes to get right into it. If all educational KZbin content was up to this standard the world would be a much more educated place.

[@makarlock]

Rip Samm. Fly safe old pal. Definitely one of the diy aviation YT greats

[@samuelhopely4853]

I've been a fan and causal student of aerodynamics for a few years, and this is the first time that I've fully understood vortices and low pressure zones. Thank you!

[@jjmelo]

dude! this is awesome. Great explanations. It looks like you've put a lot of time into these videos! Keep on going man! Loving them!

[@aries619tiger]

Coming from an aeronautical engineer, you are preety darn good at this stuff. Keep up the good work Samm!

[@Greyhamaphone]

If only. Such an amazingly smart creator and maker.

[@siddhantchaudhary4946]

RIP samm Shepard 1994-2018

[@oracuda]

@Nadir Seyfullayev He died, check recent videos

[@kurniadi9829]

GOSH! Just feel awful to learn the news. Just know you today and you are already gone. Rest in peace. Thanks for the wonderful sharings. God bless you.

[@AchiragChiragg]

@@kurniadi9829 I just found his video today too. Rest in Peace.

[@birgerkagan6087]

Having lectured aerodynamics and performance for 16 years at the CPL, ATPL and Instructor level I'll congratulate you on a wonderfully simple and easy-to-understand video - very nicely done

[@Repter75]

"Please comment and let me know what you thought" What I thought? I'll tell you what I thought. You're fucking amazing. Subscribed!

[@ajnako12]

I have a BS in aerospace engineer (but have just been a pilot). You helped even me understand this better. For someone who’s not good at math, you’re quite smart. Great video, I wish my teachers had used this 10 years ago.

[@lyle.justin.stoffels]

another cool vid to end up in my recommendation list.. R.I.P Sam 😞

[@alecto1550]

Is he dead?

[@calebready7572]

@@alecto1550 he passed away about six months ago sadly in a motorcycle accident

[@stevenzawalick49]

Congratulations. This is the first video I've ever slowed down. Great stuff. Great information density.

[@bbamboo3]

Excellent, lucid explanation. Thanks very much for helping me to understand.

[@paulstovall3777]

Well done Sir. It's truly good to see someone who thinks things thru. We used to call this EBT. Engineer by training.

[@Jmersh]

That VR6 noise....

[@SammSheperd]

You guessed it! Had to show that off just a little

[@mjh5947]

I was interested and then I saw the Mk4 Jetta in the "wind tunnel"... and you had me. too bad it's not a TDI though ;)

[@jooj240]

Is it a Manual? nice Jetta

[@c678thefirstandonly]

Listen to that shift, it has to be.

[@dayneellison3533]

I love mine

[@GaryLamb2020]

EXCELLENT VID, PIMPIN! I am building an 88 mustang and I want to make it as quick and controllable as possible. This video has got me thinking.

[@cagatayguven35]

Amazing explanation! Thats why only two VG missing is allowed in 737.

[@davidwootton683]

This is one of the best explanations I have ever come across. Many thanks and greetings from Africa.

[@cm6140]

We’ll miss you

[@lorddaxful]

I am currently taking a class to get my A&P license. We are told what these things are boundary layer, vortex generators, stall fences, stall etc. but we do not actually know what they are. Your videos are great man I have learned more from a few of your videos then from months of schooling to learn these things!

[@SammSheperd]

Then you also know these aren't FAA/PMA Approved :) haha. Thanks!

[@theflamecoreguy7929]

Rip samm 🙏😟

[@FitXhub]

I’m an instructor from New Zealand. This is amazing. Thank you for your work.

[@unclejack123]

Two of God's greatest gifts ....Curiosity and the ability to Impart Knowledge ....... well done young Man .....................J...

[@davidr.flores2043]

Dear Samm. This explanation is nothing short of amazing, why? because you said you are not an engineer, that wowed me. Kudos to you my friend!! I love airplanes and that has taken me to get interested in aerodynamics, that's how I got to your video, which is awesome. Gracias!!

[@salad5067]

So sadly according to some of the comments, sam has sadly passed away rip sam

[@swedenpaul11]

I like that you mentioned your sources at the end, that's something that too many KZbin Channel's forget about

[@goodnightmr5892]

Never Forgotten Buddy! 25MAY19

[@NJFPV]

"But then I was quickly reminded that I have no idea how to use this thing". Lol. Fantastic. Love your honesty. Just picked up a Tundra V2 and it came with VG's. I installed them and am now on my quest to see what they do and why... thanks for your video!

[@NJFPV]

Oh geeze. Just read that you passed away my dude. That sucks. I instantly liked you after watching 30 seconds of this video. Subscribing anyway, if only as a bookmark and in your memory. Rest easy my man.

[@danielyang263]

I wonder that software he's using for the simulation of air flow at 0:27

[@mateussousa3639]

I think it's Autodesk Flow 🤔

[@schuwi4]

Just watch the video to the end... 4:24

[@xweifuhrwfwe7265]

Wow, this wasn't even what I was expecting, but this video actually helped me visualize a physics concept that was very briefly and poorly explained in class. Thanks a lot!

[@titastotas1416]

4:38 I have taken a minimum amount of meth

[@Milaweak]

I was loking for that comment

[@kishandey7322]

Beautiful, simply beautiful... this is how we are suppose to learn things not just by reading equations and memorizing but by actually feeling and seeing..

[@GENcELL2014]

Two electrodes connected to a high voltage can ionize passing air creating similar effects.

[@nilspin]

Wow. Do you know any video that demonstrates such ionization? It'd be interesting to see.

[@GENcELL2014]

Probably, but I don't know any. I actually first saw the idea in a popular science or popular mechanics magazine from earlier this year. It was about improving fuel efficiency for 18 wheelers.

[@yelectric1893]

Plasma aircraft have been conceptualized and created, but the controls are complicated. The signals may not penetrate the layer, but for some reasons pilots are not safe.

[@johnfraser1115]

Sounds like you would use a lot of energy just to reduce drag. You would essentially be creating a welder's arc.

[@NoNameAtAll2]

Science Man "Some reasons"

[@jacobshaw808]

As an engineer who has taken formal classes and a lot of math, and as a flight instructor, all I have to say is, "Wow, you have a great understanding of fluid mechanics and have a knack for teaching. Absolutely incredible."

[@slickfast]

That software is awesome, I'd love to play with something like that! How much is it?

[@SammSheperd]

I got a student version for free and figured out how to use it during the week of making this video. It is pretty awesome but I've also found that there is a science to getting accurate results.

[@andrewgomez6143]

David he used Autodesk. If you want the most user friendly software to do flow visualization Id recommend Solidworks, if you want very accurate simulations try Ansys, however this takes some time to learn(at least it did for me)

[@rohitsuryawanshi2229]

Samm Sheperd which software r use? Name of software plz..

[@86Timewarp]

About to graduate with my B.S. in Aerospace Engineering: You definitely have an amazing understanding and grasp for such a complex topic for not taking any classes. Impressive!

[@masso172]

Thats a VR6 huh :)

[@SammSheperd]

You know it! :)

[@masso172]

***** haha it cant be mistaken, such a great car!

[@bencesarosi7718]

I don't know how this vid ended up in a machining playlist, but this material is top notch! I'm absolutely stunned by the loss of this great guy. Fly high!

[@kakai7640]

friction is not same with viscosity.

[@Wrublos212]

Sam is not with us anymore but still giving us a good lesson. Thank you, buddy :)

[@JimBateyPhotography]

good video. you talk too fast.

[@davidwhite8633]

Jim Batey Agreed . I had to rewind and watch at .75 X speed .

[@last1in]

Visualizing how the world works then making connections that you can pass on is basically what a flight instructor does. You're going to be an awesome CFI

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

I had to comment on this video because I have been doing a lot of research on vortex generators and other aerodynamic parts for automotive applications. You seemed to effortlessly turn what could be a complicated subject into something anyone could understand with everyday examples added in the video and clear visuals. Thank you!

[@jakezgab8576]

You’re doing just fine, nothing comes easy. The more time u spend on this topic the clearer the picture becomes. Good luck.

[@1021connie]

Much better description and video than another youtuber here who is an aerospace engineer, with applied interest to race aerodynamics. Props to you

[@kenjohnson6573]

As a retired Captain, you did an excellent job of explaining your subject matter.

[@normalviewer740]

YT recommended this and it makes me happy to hear him again. Miss you Samm

[@mrbeans2425]

Great Video! Not a Pilot(yet) but am a certified AMT. And we have entire Textbooks on Aerodynamics lol. this was very well done! Recently they started putting Winglets on the Wing tips to help with those Vortexes. And has actually made a HUGE difference.

[@aernan]

The visuals make it very easy to actually see the effects you are describing.

[@barmetler]

Man youtube recommended me this masterpiece again... What a trip for the feels Love the guy, made amazing videos.

[@dinosoarskill17]

Aw man Sam would have loved how far and accessible printing has come

[@hectorsapien2016]

your graphics used to explain these principles helped me understand the physics involved...GREAT!! THANKS

[@iainbradford4254]

You did a great job. You obviously have a massive amount of curiosity and enthusiasm.

[@ezhilmanickam3066]

your understanding of aerodynamics is awesome than a regular aerospace engineer!

[@mustang5227]

Hi ! I am curently studying at ISAE SUPAERO in france which is an aeronautic and aerospace ingeneering school. Your video explains really efficiently the concept of boundary layer and the effect the vortex actually has with a lot of images, something that is clearly missing in our classes. Good job !!

[@saurabhbasu86new]

This kind of a thing is gold in the academic world, e.g. while explaining concepts to students!!

[@ashokf50]

You have explained it much better than any other video i had seen on this subject

[@monkshood6437]

Your videos are the best videos exploring how fluids move I have ever found (I have been looking for 3 years straight)

[@SammSheperd]

+Parkour Group thanks so much!

[@NecumNaTo]

This is one of the most well-explained and time-efficient video of 2017. Keep up the great work man

[@100nec5]

A přece čumim ;)

[@cyppy7473]

I am currently working on CFI right now as well, and I wanted a better understanding of vortex generators. This video helped me understand it so well I am incorporating it into my lesson plans.

[@schuwi4]

Holy shit, this was literally the best, most informative video about how aerodynamics basically work I have ever seen, even though that wasn't even the main topic of the video and it was under 5 minutes long! Okay, I might be a bit overexcited but especially your comparison with fluid viscosity and the simulations helped me a lot with understanding aerodynamics! Thank you for this amazing work!

[@Dynamic_Flyer]

For someone without an Aero Eng background, your explanations were good!

[@joshuaskimore]

If you work on aircraft. Vortex generators can cut you up bad if you accidently land on one. Always good to practice good safety. On the topic of the video. I'm glad KZbin finally recommended something good for once. Love the video!!

[@jimmbbo]

A clear, concise discussion of VGs and a great practical demonstration of their use. Well done!

[@mohshinaziz5983]

What I thought is you explained the whole thing excellently

[@YorkDevil85]

Well I am in school for Aerospace Engineering, and you helped me with my project. Kudos to you sir.

[@jameshazelton4612]

I’m like you, trying to understand and visualise to see what makes things do what they do! Great video and explanation of boundary layers and how VG’s work. Excellent video!

[@alemx205]

This is probably the best video explaining vortex generator..

[@trevorrotchell2524]

I just used this to show my 12 yr old what we mean when e talk about air flow separation boundary etc. your video is great!

[@Jonasz314]

for a guy with "limited understanding", you're doing quite terrific. I have a degree in aerospace and everything you said is correct. VG's are what I want to use on my racecar, but I need to collect data. You mentioned that VGs on a car cause lift on the rear axle, it's true for a street car but if you have a rear wing, it causes the air flowing over the wing to be attached and thus, vastly improves downforce. So VGs on racecars should be highly beneficial. The thing to worry about however when adding downforce to the rear of the car is to add as much in the front, and there's much less you can do there, since regulations typically limit the size of the front splitter you can use.

[@rinsignares]

I am an engineer and everything you said is right on! The video is quite good to visualize vortex generators

[@domothepilot]

aerospace engineer here. wonderful explanation! great visuals! good job!