초록 ▼

A surface layer for use in connection with an object adapted for motion tugh a fluid includes an array of tiles each having a pair of electrodes and a pair of magnetic poles positioned to generate respective electric and magnetic fields generally transverse to each other. Either or both of the elect

A surface layer for use in connection with an object adapted for motion tugh a fluid includes an array of tiles each having a pair of electrodes and a pair of magnetic poles positioned to generate respective electric and magnetic fields generally transverse to each other. Either or both of the electrodes or magnetic poles are controllable to provide adjustable electrical and/or controllable magnetic fields. A plurality of turbulence sensors is provided each located proximate to and generally upstream of a tile. Each turbulence sensor generating a turbulence signal representative of fluid turbulence proximate thereto. A control circuit for controlling the electrical field generated by the electrodes and/or the magnetic field generated by the magnetic pole in relation to the turbulence signal from the turbulence sensors, thereby to generate a Lorentz force for controlling the fluid. The length and time scales of the electro-magnetic tiles can be matched to those of near-wall turbulence in high Reynolds number flows. The tiles can be fabricated using silicon micro-fabrication or printed circuit board techniques, which provides for cost-effective fabrication and ensures relatively lightweight and reduced energy requirements. Due to their smallness, plurality and amenability, digital microprocessor technology with appropriate algorithm maybe used to control near-wall turbulence.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A surface layer for use in connection with an object adapted for motion through a fluid, the surface layer comprising:an array of tiles each having a pair of controllable electrodes and a pair of magnetic poles positioned to generate respective electric and magnetic field

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A surface layer for use in connection with an object adapted for motion through a fluid, the surface layer comprising:an array of tiles each having a pair of controllable electrodes and a pair of magnetic poles positioned to generate respective electric and magnetic fields generally transverse to each other;a plurality of turbulence sensors each one of which is located proximate to and generally upstream of a tile, each turbulence sensor generating a turbulence signal representative of fluid turbulence proximate thereto; andan electrical control circuit for controlling the electrical field generated by the electrodes in relation to the turbulence signal from the turbulence sensors, thereby to generate a Lorentz force to control the generation of turbulence and vorticities in the fluid as the object moves therethrough.