초록 ▼

One aspect of the apparatus disclosed herein is a system for modifying an aerodynamic property of an aerodynamic surface in a fluid flow. The fluid flow could comprise a free stream fluid flow, or an internal fluid flow, such as in a nozzle, diffuser, or compressor. The system of the preferred embod

One aspect of the apparatus disclosed herein is a system for modifying an aerodynamic property of an aerodynamic surface in a fluid flow. The fluid flow could comprise a free stream fluid flow, or an internal fluid flow, such as in a nozzle, diffuser, or compressor. The system of the preferred embodiment comprises a synthetic jet actuator embedded in an aerodynamic surface. In one aspect, the aerodynamic surface may be a wing. The synthetic jet actuator typically has a jet housing defining a chamber, where the chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid. This fluid communication may be accomplished via an orifice in a wall of the housing. Additionally, a portion of said housing is preferably moveable such that the volume of the chamber can be adjusted. The system also comprises a device for changing the position of the moveable portion of the housing at a predefined frequency. In this way, the synthetic jet actuator is pulse modulated in order to enhance the synthetic jet actuator's performance. In another aspect, the invention may be seen as a method of controlling a synthetic jet actuator. The method preferably comprises the steps of driving a synthetic jet actuator at a first frequency and turning the synthetic jet actuator on and off at a second frequency. The synthetic jet actuator interacting with a fluid flow to alter the fluid flow field.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system for modifying an aerodynamic property of an aerodynamic surface in a fluid flow, said system comprising:a synthetic jet actuator embedded in the aerodynamic surface, said synthetic jet actuator having a jet housing defining a chamber, wherein said chamber is in fluid communication with t

1. A system for modifying an aerodynamic property of an aerodynamic surface in a fluid flow, said system comprising:a synthetic jet actuator embedded in the aerodynamic surface, said synthetic jet actuator having a jet housing defining a chamber, wherein said chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid flow and a portion of said housing is moveable for changing a volume of said chamber; a means for changing the position of said moveable portion of said housing; a controller directing said position changing means to operate at a first predefined frequency and for automatically cycling said position changing means between on and off at a second predefined frequency; and wherein cycling said position changing means off causes the fluid flow to partially separate from the aerodynamic surface, the fluid flow entering a transient phase including a counter-clockwise vortex; and wherein said second predefined frequency is set such that said position changing means is cycled back on prior to flow separation such that said counter-clockwise vortex is trapped on the aerodynamic surface.