Aerodynamic force breakdown in reversible and irreversible components by vortex force theory

A recently proposed aerodynamic force theory of compressible high-Reynolds-number flows based on the concept of vortex force is here analyzed. The aerodynamic force is obtained by means of volume and surface integrals within the flow. The theory proposes the decomposition of the aerodynamic force, both lift and drag components, in reversible and irreversible contributions. The former is responsible for the lift and lift-induced drag, and the latter for the viscous and wave drag components. The analysis is here concentrated on the following aspects: 1) link with traditional drag breakdown methods and sensitivity of the force decomposition to the choice of the integration domain, 2) analysis in the limit of inviscid flow, and 3) effects of the Reynolds number. The verification of the analysis is obtained postprocessing viscous and inviscid numerical solutions around airfoils and wings.