Passive stabilization of crossflow instabilities by a reverse lift-up effect

A physical mechanism has been identified through which a small surface add-on to a swept (angled-back) aircraft wing can delay the development of turbulent disorganized airflow. To reduce the aerodynamic drag of an aicraft, it is important to maximize the extent of smooth laminar airflow around its wings. The mechanism, termed ``reverse lift-up effect'', dampens out the critical instability waves leading to turbulent airflow over swept aircraft wings under certain conditions. This may be achieved through particular design of a surface pattern on the aicraft wings. Overall, the present findings aim to contribute to novel design methodologies for future generations of laminar aicraft wings.