The vortical wake structure produced by a three-dimensional shock control bump (SCB) is thought to be useful for controlling transonic buffet on airfoils. However, at present the vorticity produced is relatively weak and the production mechanism is not well understood. Using a combined experimental and computational approach, a preliminary investigation on the wake vorticity for different bump geometries has been carried out. The structure of the wake for on- and off-design conditions are considered, and the effects on the downstream boundary layer demonstrated. Three main vortical structures are observed: a primary vortex pair, weak inter-bump vortices and shear flow in the lambda-shock region. The effect of pressure gradients on vortex strength is examined and it is found that spanwise pressure gradients on the front section of the bump are the most significant parameter influencing vortex strength.
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