Aircraft performances over aircraft carriers are essential in modern navies. Take-off operation is critical due to the short runway available. The ski-jump ramp is a useful system that allows to operate under safe conditions. However, the sharp edge at the end of the runway provokes a region with recirculation bubble and low velocity producing strong flow disturbances. Hence, the aircraft performances are affected and the pilot’s workload is augmented. Previous researches showed that columnar vortex generator reduces the recirculation bubble generated over the end of flight deck. This article presents an in-depth experimental study performed by wind tunnel testing in order to determine the relation between the columnar vortex generator size and the recirculation bubble reduction. Particle image velocimetry is used to investigate the flow field velocity and flow structure around the ski-jump ramp as a non-intrusive experimental technique. Encouraging results were found for the biggest columnar vortex generator studied.
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