Active Vortex Control for Laminar Flow Stability at Varying Yaw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to effectively delay the onset of turbulence over solid boundaries while maintaining stability across a range of yaw angles, leading to increased drag and reduced fuel efficiency in aircraft and other aerodynamic devices.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating vortices near a solid surface using vortex generator plates and actively controlling their location and strength using printed skin sensors and actuators, such as ionic wind generators or plasma actuators, to maintain vortices in fixed positions and heights, thereby delaying the transition to turbulent flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If fixed wavy walls are used to limit spanwise motion of vortices, then the onset of turbulent boundary layer is delayed, but the system only works well for a narrow range of yaw angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed wavy walls with dynamically adjustable vortex generators that can adapt their configuration in real-time. The vortex generators include movable elements that can change their position and orientation to maintain effectiveness across varying yaw angles, transforming a static structure into a dynamic system that responds to changing flow conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the vortex generating structure by using adjustable pitch and spanwise positions of vortex generator elements. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system maintains optimal vortex control performance across a wide range of yaw angles, rather than being limited to a single fixed configuration
2Stability of the object's composition
If vortex generators are used to generate vortices, then spanwise motion of vortex street is limited, but the vortices may not remain stationary over long streamwise distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors detect the position and characteristics of vortices along the streamwise direction, and this information is used to adjust the vortex generator configuration in real-time. This closed-loop control maintains vortex stationarity over long distances by continuously correcting deviations from the desired vortex positions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces passive mechanical vortex generators with an active control system that uses sensors and actuators. Instead of relying solely on fixed mechanical structures, the system uses feedback-driven actuation to maintain vortex stability, substituting static mechanical design with dynamic control mechanisms
3Object-affected harmful factors
If riblets are placed on the surface to slow transition from laminar to turbulent flow, then drag reduction is achieved, but the riblets are quickly contaminated by dirt particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive riblet structures with active vortex control using plasma actuators and sensors. Instead of relying on fixed surface geometries that are susceptible to contamination, the invention uses field-based plasma actuation that can be dynamically controlled and is not affected by surface contamination, thereby maintaining reliability over time
4Duration of action of stationary object
If wavy walls are integrated with the airplane wing, then spanwise motion of vortex street is limited, but fixed shapes only work for narrow range of yaw angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static wavy wall integration into a dynamic system by incorporating adjustable vortex generators on the wing surface. These generators can change their configuration based on the yaw angle, maintaining their ability to limit spanwise vortex motion while adapting to different flight conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed geometry and variable operating conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces drag by maintaining laminar flow longer, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions by stabilizing vortices and preventing early transition to turbulent flow, even at varying yaw angles.
Implementation Method 1
generating vortices proximate to the solid surface; vortex generator plates
Implementation Method 2
sensing locations of vortices by printed skin sensors
Implementation Method 3
maintaining the vortices in their fixed spanwise positions with respect to the solid surface by actuation of printed skin actuators
Implementation Method 4
printed skin actuators, such as ionic wind generators or plasma actuators
Implementation Method 5
ionic wind generators
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for active control of stationary vortices for aerodynamic structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for active control of vortices over a solid surface includes: generating vortices proximate to the solid surface; sensing locations of vortices by printed skin sensors; and maintaining the vortices in their fixed spanwise positions with respect to the solid surface by actuation of printed skin actuators.