Control Surface Device and Method

Abstract

A control surface device for influencing the fluid flow around a vehicle, the control surface device comprising a first control surface portion and a second control surface portion, wherein the second control surface portion is provided downstream of the first control surface portion with respect to the fluid flow direction, the second control surface portion being configured to be movable relative to the first control surface portion, and a vortex generating surface device configured to induce vortices in the fluid flow passing over the first control surface portion and / or the second control surface portion, is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control surface device, and more particularly to a control surface device for influencing the fluid flow around a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising the control surface device. The present invention also relates to a method of influencing fluid flow.

Background Art

[0002] The direction of an aircraft or a ship can be controlled by influencing the fluid flow around those crafts. For this purpose, a control surface device is used. A control surface device is generally a foil-shaped appendage. The term "control surface device" includes rudders, fin stabilizers, hydrofoils, and the like.

[0003] A flap rudder is a kind of control surface device. A conventional flap rudder 100 according to the prior art is shown in FIG. 1. The flap rudder 100 includes a first control surface portion 110 and a second control surface portion 120. The second control surface portion 120 is movable relative to the first control surface portion 110. The second control surface portion 120 is known as a "flap". When the flap rudder rotates, the flap introduces a camber into the foil section that provides lift.

[0004] One problem associated with flap rudders is the earlier and more intense onset of flow separation. Flow separation is the separation of the fluid boundary layer from the surface to the wake. Flow separation results in an increase in drag and an overall reduction in the lift-to-drag ratio.

[0005] To address the problem of flow separation, active flow control devices have been proposed. However, such proposed solutions are complex.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved control surface device and / or method therefor, and / or to address one or more of the problems discussed above or elsewhere, or at least to provide an alternative device and / or method. For example, an object of the present invention is to address the problem of flow separation and / or to provide a simplified solution for addressing the problem of flow separation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control surface device for influencing a fluid flow around a vehicle, the control surface device comprising a first control surface portion and a second control surface portion, wherein the second control surface portion is provided downstream of the first control surface portion with respect to the fluid flow direction, the second control surface portion being configured to be movable with respect to the first control surface portion, and a vortex generating surface device configured to induce a vortex in a fluid flow passing over the first control surface portion and / or the second control surface portion.

[0008] In one example, at least a part of the vortex generating surface device is provided upstream of the first control surface portion with respect to the fluid flow direction.

[0009] In one example, a first vortex generating surface of the vortex generating surface device is provided on the first control surface portion.

[0010] In one example, the first vortex generating surface is provided on the leading edge of the first control surface portion.

[0011] In one example, the first vortex generating surface comprises a protrusion extending from the leading edge of the first control surface portion.

[0012] In one example, a second vortex generating surface of the vortex generating surface device is provided on the side surface of the first control surface portion.

[0013] In one example, a third vortex generating surface of the vortex generating surface device is provided in a region between the first control surface portion and the second control surface portion.

[0014] In one example, the control surface device is configured to be provided in a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal orientation.

[0015] In one example, the control surface device is movable from one of a vertical, horizontal, and / or diagonal orientation to another of a vertical, horizontal, and / or diagonal orientation.

[0016] In one example, the first control surface portion and / or the second control surface portion can be selectively configured to provide a first, second, and / or third vortex generating surface.

[0017] In one example, one or both of the first control surface portion and the second control surface portion are substantially planar.

[0018] In one example, the control surface device is a flap rudder or a diving plane.

[0019] In one example, the fluid flow is a liquid flow.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the concept of the present invention, a vehicle is provided that includes a control surface device according to the first aspect.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method of influencing a fluid flow, the method comprising providing a control surface device according to the first aspect, or a vehicle according to the second aspect, generating vortices in the fluid flow using a vortex generating surface, and receiving the fluid flow across the first control surface portion and / or the second control surface portion, is provided.

[0022] Any aspect of the present invention described above may, if desired or necessary, comprise any or all features of any or all other aspects of the present invention. This will be apparent to those skilled in the art from their own knowledge and from the clearly closely related nature of all aspects and embodiments discussed herein.

[0023] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

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Figure 11

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] The control surface device is described herein. The control surface device includes a vortex generation surface device for inducing vortices in a fluid flow. Specifically, the vortex generation surface device induces a pair of counter-rotating vortices in the flow direction (i.e., vortices having a rotation axis parallel to the fluid flow direction). As will be described in more detail herein, the pair of vortices is formed behind each protrusion (or "node") of the vortex generation surface device. Vortices (and vortices in general) exchange momentum in a fluid flow and activate the boundary layer. The pair of vortices acts to divide the flow on the control surface, which maintains the attachment of the fluid flow. Advantageously, by maintaining the attachment of the fluid flow (which is possible up to a high angle of attack (AOA) by the control surface device described herein), an improvement in post-stall performance is achieved.

[0026] The control surface device described in this specification may be suitable for use in fluids containing liquids and gases. That is, the fluid flow can be a liquid flow (such as a water flow) or a gas flow (such as an air flow). From this, the control surface device can be adapted for use on an aircraft or a ship. The control surface device can be a flap rudder or a horizontal rudder (for example, for use on a ship). In this way, the control surface device can be used to control the direction of an aircraft or a ship, but also provides benefits in maintaining flow attachment and providing a more gradual onset of stall despite the introduction of camber.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, a control surface device 200 according to a first embodiment is shown. The control surface device 200 is for influencing the fluid flow around a vehicle. The control surface device 200 includes a first control surface portion 210, a second control surface portion 220, and a vortex generating surface device 230.

[0028] The second control surface portion 220 is provided downstream of the first control surface portion 210 with respect to the fluid flow direction (generally indicated by 240). The second control surface portion 220 is configured to be movable relative to the first control surface portion 210.

[0029] The vortex generating surface device 230 is configured to induce vortices in the fluid flow. The vortex generating surface device 230 is configured to induce vortices in the fluid flow passing over the first control surface portion 210 and / or the second control surface portion 220.

[0030] Advantageously, the flow separation on the surface of the control surface device 200 is reduced compared to a control surface device without the vortex generating surface device 230. Further, the generation of vortices by the vortex generating surface device 230 helps to reduce the magnitude of the vorticity of the wake flow generated by the interaction of the control surface device 200 with the fluid flow. Overall, this provides a more efficient vehicle, improved control of the turbulent wake, and reduced downstream vorticity. Further, the occurrence of cavitation is suppressed and the underwater radiated noise is reduced.

[0031] As introduced above, the vortex generating surface device 230 is configured to induce vortices in the fluid flow passing over the first control surface portion 210 and / or the second control surface portion 220. The vortex generating surface device 230 includes a plurality of protrusions 232a-c, 234a-c, 236a-c. The term "protrusion" is intended to include protrusions, serrated edges and / or undulations, and the like. Each protrusion has a first extension in the lateral direction (which may be described as a length, wavelength, or a portion of a wavelength). Each protrusion has a second extension in the longitudinal direction (which may be described as a height or amplitude). Such protrusions may be referred to as "nodules". The vortex generating surface device 230 may be provided (e.g., formed) integrally with the first control surface portion 210 and / or the second control surface portion 220. Alternatively, the vortex generating surface device 230 may be separately formed and later attached to, connected to, or coupled to the first control surface portion 210 and / or the second control surface portion 220.

[0032] In the absence of a vortex generating surface device, a control surface device (e.g., the control surface device of FIG. 1) may interact with the fluid flow to induce a first set of fluid characteristics. In all embodiments described herein (including those with a vortex generating surface device), the provided vortex generating surface device interacts with the fluid flow to induce a second set of fluid characteristics, and the second set of fluid characteristics includes an increase in the magnitude of the vorticity of the fluid flow. The vortex generating surface is configured to induce a plurality of periodically spaced vortices, and the vortices correspond to the shape of the vortex generating surface device and the spacing of the protrusions.

[0033] At least a portion of the vortex generating surface device 230 is provided upstream of the first control surface portion 210 with respect to the fluid flow direction 240.

[0034] In this way, vortices are generated in the fluid flow passing over the first control surface portion 210 and the second control surface portion 220. This is very advantageous in controlling the separation of the flow. The generated vortices increase in size and strength as they progress downstream. Therefore, the vortices have a greater effect on the second control surface portion 220.

[0035] The first vortex generation surface 232 of the vortex generation surface device 230 is provided on the first control surface portion 210.

[0036] As described above, in this way, the vortices generated upstream have a greater effect on the second control surface portion 220, and from this, the control of the flow separation is improved.

[0037] The first vortex generation surface 232 is provided on or at the leading edge 212 of the first control surface portion 210. To avoid ambiguity, the leading edge is with respect to the fluid flow direction 240, or the intended direction of use. The first vortex generation surface 232 extends from the leading edge 212 of the first control surface portion 210. That is, the protrusions 232a - c of the first vortex generation surface 232 extend from the leading edge of the first control surface portion 210. This can be contrasted with a structure where the protrusions are provided "inside" the leading edge or on the surface and do not extend / protrude from the leading edge. In other words, the protrusions 232a - c extend along the leading edge 212 of the first control surface portion 210 and extend outward from that leading edge 212. The extension is within the plane of the first control surface portion 210. Here, the first vortex generation surface 232 (and also the second and third vortex generation surfaces 234, 236 described below) each comprises a series of laterally aligned protrusions 232a - c, 234a - c, 236a - c. Laterally aligned protrusions mean that they are arranged side by side in alignment. The protrusions are adjacent to each other. In some examples, such as an example of the first vortex generation surface 232, the protrusions are aligned to form a continuous surface having a leading edge 233.

[0038] The leading edge 233 has a continuous wavy contour created by the rising and falling of the plurality of protrusions 232a - c extending therefrom. The terms "wavelength" and "amplitude" used to describe the dimensions of the protrusions 232a - c are particularly appropriate here. In Figure 2, the wavelength is indicated by 254 and the amplitude is indicated by 256.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, a control surface device 300 according to the second embodiment is shown. The control surface device 300 of the second embodiment has all the features of the control surface device 200 of the first embodiment, except for the differences described herein. Features corresponding to those of the first embodiment are given corresponding reference numerals, but the value is increased by only 100.

[0040] As described above, the control surface device 300 is for affecting the fluid flow around the vehicle. The control surface device 300 includes a first control surface portion 310, a second control surface portion 320, and a vortex generating surface device 330.

[0041] The second control surface portion 320 is provided downstream of the first control surface portion 310 with respect to the fluid flow direction (generally indicated by 340). The second control surface portion 320 is configured to be movable with respect to the first control surface portion 310.

[0042] The vortex generating surface device 330 is configured to induce vortices in the fluid flow. The vortex generating surface device 330 is configured to induce vortices in the fluid flow passing over the first control surface portion 310 and / or the second control surface portion 320.

[0043] The vortex generating surface device 330 includes a second vortex generating surface 334. The second vortex generating surface 334 can be added to or replace the first vortex generating surface 332. The second vortex generating surface 334 of the vortex generating surface device 330 is provided on the side surface 314 of the first control surface portion 310.

[0044] In this way, vortices can be generated and passed over the second control surface portion 320, whereby the flow separation in the second control surface portion 320 can be reduced. Further, providing protrusions 334a - 334c of the second vortex generating surface 334 on the side surface 314 can simplify the structure.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 4, a control surface device 400 according to the third embodiment is shown. The control surface device 400 of the third embodiment has all the features of the control surface device 200 of the first embodiment, except for the differences described herein. Corresponding features (to those of the first embodiment) are given corresponding reference numerals, but only the value is increased by 200.

[0046] As described above, the control surface device 400 is for influencing the fluid flow around the vehicle. The control surface device 400 includes a first control surface portion 410, a second control surface portion 420, and a vortex generating surface device 430.

[0047] The second control surface portion 420 is provided downstream of the first control surface portion 410 with respect to the fluid flow direction (generally indicated by 440). The second control surface portion 420 is configured to be movable with respect to the first control surface portion 410.

[0048] The vortex generating surface device 430 is configured to induce vortices in the fluid flow. The vortex generating surface device 430 is configured to induce vortices in the fluid flow passing over the first control surface portion 410 and / or the second control surface portion 420.

[0049] The vortex generating surface device 430 includes a third vortex generating surface 436. The third vortex generating surface 436 can be added to or replace the first vortex generating surface 432 and / or the second vortex generating surface 434. The third vortex generating surface 436 is provided in the region between the first control surface portion 410 and the second control surface portion 420. The region can be known as the "flap gap" of the flap rudder, which is the gap 450 between the first control surface portion 410 and the second control surface portion 420. The third vortex generating surface 436 can be provided on the second control surface portion 420 within the region.

[0050] In this way, vortices can be generated and passed over the second control surface portion 220, thereby reducing the flow separation at the second control surface portion 220.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the control surface device 200 at various flap angles with respect to the flap chord (i.e., the straight line connecting the leading edge and the trailing edge of the first control surface portion 210) is shown. Although the control surface device 200 according to the first embodiment is shown, it should be recognized that this description also applies correspondingly to the devices 300 and 400 of the second and third embodiments.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the control surface device 200 is shown here as having a first flap angle which is a flap angle of 0 degrees (δ = 0°).

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the control surface device 200 is shown here as having a second flap angle which is a flap angle of 10 degrees (δ = 10°).

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the control surface device 200 is shown here as having a third flap angle which is a flap angle of 20 degrees (δ = 20°).

[0055] As described above, the second control surface portion 220 is configured to be movable relative to the first control surface portion 210. The second control surface portion 220 can be moved relative to the first control surface portion 210 between flap angles that can include the range between the first flap angle, the second flap angle, and the third flap angle, for example, from a flap angle of 0 degrees to a flap angle of 20 degrees (both positive and negative). The second control surface portion 220 being movable relative to the first control surface portion 210 is the conventional function and operation of a flap rudder.

[0056] The advantages of the vortex generation surface device described herein are quantified with reference to the following non-limiting examples provided below.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 8, the hydrodynamic coefficients of a prior art control surface device ("straight leading-edge (SLE)" as shown in FIG. 1) and a control surface device according to the present invention ("tubercle leading-edge (TLE)" with the first vortex generator surface 232 as described above) are compared. The hydrodynamic coefficients are plotted against the angle of attack (AOA, or α), which is the angle between the rudder chord (as described above) and the vector representing the relative motion between the first control surface portion 210 and the fluid it is moving through. The hydrodynamic coefficients illustrated here are provided as examples of implementations of the present invention to illustrate the advantages described above. It should be appreciated that the advantages of the present invention can be realized in other examples of a control surface device according to the present invention.

[0058] In the legend of Figure 8, C L (SLE) is the lift coefficient for a straight leading edge device, and C L (TLE) is the lift coefficient for the leading edge device of the tubercle, and C D (SLE) is the drag coefficient for a straight leading edge device, and C D (TLE) is the drag coefficient for the leading edge device of the tubercle.

[0059] As can be seen in FIG. 8(a), for a flap angle δ=0°, the TLE is advantageously α=α 5 30% smaller C L α = α during and after stall 4 ° and α = α 5 °C for TLE D increases, but the increase in lift at the highest AOA advantageously outweighs the drag penalty, increasing the lift to drag ratio for the TLE. Thus, TLE devices are more efficient than SLEs.

[0060] As can be seen in FIGS. 8(b) and 8(c), for flap angles δ = 10° and δ = 20°, the performance for α = α - 3° is noteworthy. At this AOA, the TLE increases C by 14% and 10% respectively compared to the SLE for δ = 10° and δ = 20°. L Furthermore, for δ = 10° and δ = 20°, C L MAX is, advantageously, shifted from α = α 4 ° to α = α 3 °, where it generates more lift and less drag compared to the C L MAX state of the SLE, thereby increasing effectiveness and efficiency. As the AOA increases, the lift curve of the TLE decreases and flattens. At α = α - 4°, the TLE exhibits a small lift penalty for δ = 10° and matches the lift performance for δ = 20°. At α = α 5 °, the SLE device stalls and C L decreases. On the other hand, the TLE maintains its C L value approximately after stall and generates 25% and 18% more lift respectively compared to the SLE for δ = 10° and δ = 20°. Generally, the TLE has an increase in peak effectiveness and an improvement in efficiency for all flap angle deflections.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 9, the flow separation behavior is illustrated. FIGS. 9(a), 9(c), and 9(e) illustrate the flow separation on the SLE device (as shown, for example, in FIG. 1). FIGS. 9(b), 9(d), and 9(f) illustrate the flow separation on the TLE device (as shown, for example, in FIG. 2). FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) illustrate the flow separation at flap angle δ = 0°, FIGS. 9(c) and 9(d) illustrate the flow separation at flap angle δ = 10°, and FIGS. 9(e) and 9(f) illustrate the flow separation at flap angle δ = 20°.

[0062] Flap deflection (e.g., from δ = 0° to δ = 10° and then to δ = 20°) induces camber, creating a larger pressure difference between the rudder section and the pressure side, thereby increasing lift. However, as seen in FIGS. 9(a), 9(c), and 9(e), the change in curvature around the flap causes a particularly visible flow separation (generally indicated by numeral 910) within the region of the second control surface portion.

[0063] Advantageously, as can be understood by comparing FIGS. 9(b), 9(d), and 9(f) (TLE device) with FIGS. 9(a), 9(c), and 9(e) (SLE device), providing the vortex generating surface device 230 results in improved flow attachment (i.e., reduced flow separation). It can be seen that the separated flow 920 in FIGS. 9(b), 9(d), and 9(f) is smaller and more segmented than the separated flow 910 in FIGS. 9(a), 9(c), and 9(e). From this, the control surface device 200 advantageously exhibits improved lift performance, a more gradual stall onset, and improved efficiency.

[0064] As applicable to all embodiments described herein, the control surface devices 200, 300, 400 are configured to be provided in a vertical, horizontal, or oblique orientation. The vertical orientation can be used, for example, on a ship for direction control. The horizontal orientation can be used, for example, on an aircraft or a ship for altitude or depth control. The oblique orientation can be used, for example, on a ship as a cruciform (or "X-shaped") rudder. The control surface devices 200, 300, 400 can be movable, adjustable, or reconfigurable from one of the vertical, horizontal, and / or oblique orientations to another of the vertical, horizontal, and / or oblique orientations. That is, for example, the control surface devices 200, 300, 400 can be used both as a rudder and a horizontal rudder. This has an advantage in redundancy in that the control surface devices 200, 300, 400 can be provided as backup control components.

[0065] So as to be applicable to all embodiments described herein, one or both of the first control surface portions 210, 310, 410 and the second control surface portions 220, 320, 420 can be substantially planar. In other words, the first control surface portion and / or the second control surface portion can be a foil section. The first control surface portion and the second control surface portion can be aligned in a plane when the flap angle is 0 degrees.

[0066] So as to be applicable to all embodiments described herein, the first control surface portions 210, 310, 410 and / or the second control surface portions 220, 320, 420 can be selectively configured to provide a first, second, and / or third vortex generating surface. That is, the control surface devices 200, 300, 400 can be configured in a configuration where the vortex generating surface devices 230, 330, 430 are not provided, thereby interacting with the fluid flow and not inducing vortices therein.

[0067] The control surface devices 200, 300, 400 can be selectively configured in a configuration where a vortex generating surface is provided, thereby interacting with the fluid flow and inducing vortices therein. The control surface devices 200, 300, 400 can be selectively configured to some extent (e.g., partially) in a configuration where a vortex generating surface is provided, thereby interacting with the fluid flow and inducing vortices therein to some extent. Advantageously, this allows the control surface devices 200, 300, 400 to be configured to provide the vortex generating surface devices 230, 330, 430 when it is considered desirable or necessary to induce vortices in the fluid flow. Advantageously, this also allows the vortex generating surface devices 230, 330, 430 to be removed or otherwise not provided to interact in the fluid flow, which can be beneficial for reducing drag or increasing the wake of the craft when appropriate. These advantages were not contemplated or achievable, especially in liquid (e.g., water) environments. This is surprising considering the possible benefits from such applications.

[0068] The control surface devices 200, 300, 400 may further include a controller. The controller is configured to implement a selective configuration of the vortex generating surface devices 230, 330, 430. That is, in this illustrative embodiment, the controller controls the actuator to extend or expand or retract or contract when it is necessary or desirable to provide the vortex generating surface devices 230, 330, 430. For example, the controller can implement the following selective configurations of the vortex generating surface devices 230, 330, 430: a. User command b. Input from an additional sensor device, for example, a sensor device operable to measure and detect turbulence, craft speed, and / or fluid flow speed or the like, and / or, c. Environmental conditions, such as the level of turbulence, proximity to other crafts, time, altitude, or the like.

[0069] In the example, the first control surface portion 210 and / or the second control surface portion 220 includes a first section having an elastic membrane and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is operable to adjust the contour of the elastic membrane to provide the vortex generating surface device 230. From this, a series of protrusions can be provided, for example, at the leading edge of the first control surface portion 210 and / or the second control surface portion 220.

[0070] The examples described above include an actuator assembly and an elastic membrane, but other structures that can be selectively configured to provide the vortex generating surface devices 230, 330, 430 are suitable. For example, in one illustrative embodiment, the first section includes a shape memory alloy, and by applying heat, for example, a heating fluid, the shape memory alloy deforms to provide a series of protrusions. In another illustrative embodiment, the first section may include a rigid protrusion member, and an elastic biasing means, or actually an actuator assembly similar to that described above, can extend the protrusion member from the first control surface portion 210 and / or the second control surface portion 220, and / or retract it into the first control surface portion 210 and / or the second control surface portion 220.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 10, a vehicle is shown. The vehicle includes control surface devices 200, 300, 400. The control surface devices 200, 300, 400 are as described herein. The control surface devices are for influencing the fluid flow around the vehicle. The control surface device includes a first control surface portion and a second control surface portion, where the second control surface portion is provided downstream of the first control surface portion with respect to the fluid flow direction, the second control surface portion is configured to be movable with respect to the first control surface portion, and a vortex generating surface device configured to induce vortices in the fluid flow passing over the first control surface portion and / or the second control surface portion.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 11, a method of influencing fluid flow is shown. Step 1110 includes providing a control surface device or a vehicle. Step 1120 includes generating vortices in the fluid flow using a vortex generating surface. Step 1130 includes receiving the fluid flow across the first control surface portion and / or the second control surface portion.

[0073] In summary, a control surface device, a vehicle, and a method are described. Reduction of flow separation is achieved by the structure of the control surface device described herein. Overall, this provides a more efficient vehicle, improved control of the turbulent wake, and reduction of downstream vorticity. Further, the occurrence of cavitation is suppressed and underwater radiated noise is reduced.

[0074] It should be recognized that aspects and embodiments are closely related and interrelated, and that different features of any one aspect or embodiment may be added to, or used instead of, the features of another aspect or embodiment.

Claims

1. A control surface device for affecting the fluid flow around a vehicle, the control surface device comprising: a first control surface portion; a second control surface portion, wherein the second control surface portion is provided downstream of the first control surface portion with respect to the fluid flow direction, and the second control surface portion is configured to be movable relative to the first control surface portion; a vortex generating surface device configured to induce vortices in the fluid flow passing over the first control surface portion and / or the second control surface portion A control surface device comprising:

2. The control surface device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the vortex generating surface device is provided upstream of the first control surface portion with respect to the fluid flow direction.

3. The control surface device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first vortex generating surface of the vortex generating surface device is provided on the first control surface portion.

4. The control surface device according to claim 3, wherein the first vortex generating surface is provided on the leading edge of the first control surface portion.

5. The control surface device according to claim 4, wherein the first vortex generating surface comprises a protrusion extending from the leading edge of the first control surface portion.

6. The control surface device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a second vortex generating surface of the vortex generating surface device is provided on a side surface of the first control surface portion.

7. The control surface device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a third vortex generating surface of the vortex generating surface device is provided in a region between the first control surface portion and the second control surface portion.

8. The control surface device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control surface device is configured to be provided in a vertical, horizontal, or oblique orientation.

9. The control surface device according to claim 8, wherein the control surface device is movable from one of the vertical, horizontal, and / or oblique orientations to another one of the vertical, horizontal, and / or oblique orientations.

10. The control surface device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first control surface portion and / or the second control surface portion can be selectively configured to provide the first, second, and / or third vortex generating surfaces.

11. The control surface device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein one or both of the first control surface portion and the second control surface portion are substantially planar.

12. The control surface device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control surface device is a flap rudder or a horizontal rudder.

13. The control surface device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the fluid flow is a liquid flow.

14. A vehicle comprising the control surface device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method of influencing a fluid flow, the method comprising: providing the control surface device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or the vehicle according to claim 14; using the vortex generating surface to generate vortices in the fluid flow; and receiving the fluid flow across the first control surface portion and / or the second control surface portion. A method comprising the above.

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