vortex generator

vortex generator

[′vȯr‚teks ‚jen·ə‚rād·ər]

(aerospace engineering)

Any of the small, upright vanes that are attached to aircraft surfaces to inhibit boundary-layer separation and thereby reduce drag.

vortex generator

Small, low aspect ratio airfoils mounted in pairs on the upper surface of the wings of high-speed aircraft. These project into the boundary layer and are meant to energize the stagnant boundary layer to promote better flow over the surface and postpone boundary-layer separation.