초록 ▼

A vortex generator system comprises one or more plasma streamwise vortex generators (PSVGs) or plasma wedge vortex generators (PWVGs). The PSVGs and PWVGs each comprises a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a dielectric layer. The first electrode extends in a longitudinal direction.

A vortex generator system comprises one or more plasma streamwise vortex generators (PSVGs) or plasma wedge vortex generators (PWVGs). The PSVGs and PWVGs each comprises a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a dielectric layer. The first electrode extends in a longitudinal direction. The PSVGs and PWVGs can be installed on a surface arranged to receive airflow in a certain flow direction. The PSVGs have a rectangular first electrode is exposed and extends at least somewhat parallel to the expected flow direction, whereas the first electrode of the PWVGs is more triangular in shape. When an AC voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes, a plasma forms along edges of the first electrode. The plasma imposes a body force in a cross-flow direction, which induces a cross-flow velocity that, in combination with the mean flow, produces streamwise-oriented counter-rotating vortices.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A vortex generator system for use with a surface, the surface being configured such that an airflow passes over the surface in a predetermined airflow direction, the system comprising: a first electrode and a third electrode, both the first and the third electrode having a length dimension and a

1. A vortex generator system for use with a surface, the surface being configured such that an airflow passes over the surface in a predetermined airflow direction, the system comprising: a first electrode and a third electrode, both the first and the third electrode having a length dimension and a width dimension, the width dimension being less than the length dimension,wherein the length dimension extends in a longitudinal direction that is substantially parallel to the predetermined airflow direction;a second electrode underlaying the first electrode and the third electrode;a dielectric layer disposed between the first and second electrodes and between the third and second electrodes; anda voltage source for producing a voltage simultaneously between the first electrode and the second electrode, and between the third electrode and the second electrode, such that a plasma forms along the lengthwise edge of the first electrode and the third electrode so as to produce a streamwise-oriented vortex between the first and third electrodes in a mean flow direction. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode and the third electrode each have a lengthwise edge extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode has a lengthwise edge extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction, wherein the angle is in a range of five to twenty degrees. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the surface is provided on an airfoil. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes includes at least one of copper and gold. 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the dielectric layer includes at least one of a polyimide material, a ceramic material, and a thermoplastic material. 7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor for detecting airflow separation from the surface. 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the voltage source is controlled to produce the voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, and between the third electrode and the second electrode, when airflow separation is detected by the pressure sensor. 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode is rectangular. 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode is triangular. 11. A method of generating a vortex over a surface, the surface being configured such that an airflow passes over the surface in a predetermined airflow direction, the method comprising: simultaneously producing voltage between a first electrode and a second electrode, and between a third electrode and the second electrode, such that a plasma forms along a lengthwise edge of the first electrode and the third electrode so as to produce a streamwise-oriented vortex between the first and third electrodes in a mean flow direction, the first electrode and the third electrode overlaying the second electrode;wherein a dielectric layer is disposed between the first and second electrodes, and between the third and second electrodes;wherein both the first electrode and the third electrode have a length dimension and a width dimension, the width dimension being less than the length dimension; andwherein the length dimension extends in a longitudinal direction that is substantially parallel to the predetermined airflow direction. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the lengthwise edge of the first electrode and the third electrode extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first electrode has a lengthwise edge extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction, wherein the angle is in a range of five to twenty degrees. 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the surface is provided on an airfoil. 15. The method according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes includes at least one of copper and gold. 16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the dielectric layer includes at least one of a polyimide material, a ceramic material, and a thermoplastic material. 17. The method according to claim 11, further comprising detecting airflow separation from the surface. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the producing of the voltage includes producing the voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, and between the third electrode and the second electrode, when airflow separation is detected. 19. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first electrode is rectangular. 20. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first electrode is triangular.