Fluid Manipulation Channel for Low-Speed Wave Drag Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid interaction apparatuses, such as aircraft, ships, and land vehicles, face significant challenges in reducing wave drag, particularly at low free stream flow velocities, where power consumption is high and efficiency is low.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a channel with a fluid inlet and outlet, featuring a first fluid manipulation apparatus (FMA) that decelerates and pressurizes the fluid flow, and a second FMA that accelerates and depressurizes the flow, within a pressure containment apparatus (PCA), to manipulate the fluid flow and reduce wave drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a duct is employed to increase the local free stream flow velocity, then the power consumption is reduced, but the wetted area and weight increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid manipulation apparatus as an intermediary device between the vehicle and the free stream flow. This apparatus actively modifies the local flow velocity without requiring a large duct structure, thereby reducing the wetted area and weight while still achieving the desired power consumption reduction through wave drag mitigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using an active fluid manipulation apparatus that can dynamically adjust the local free stream flow velocity. This allows for optimized power consumption across varying flight conditions without being constrained by a fixed, heavy duct geometry, resolving the contradiction between power efficiency and vehicle weight.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a large diffuser duct is used to achieve large effect on local free stream flow, then the power consumption is reduced, but the wetted area becomes prohibitively large
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid manipulation apparatus serves as a compact intermediary that achieves flow modification without requiring the large wetted area of a traditional diffuser duct. The apparatus actively manipulates the fluid to create the desired velocity effects with minimal structural footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical diffuser duct system with an active fluid manipulation apparatus that uses controlled fluid injection or suction to achieve flow modification. This substitution eliminates the need for large structural components while maintaining the power consumption benefits.
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 wave drag on vehicles by manipulating the fluid flow to match or exceed the free stream velocity, thereby minimizing energy losses and improving efficiency, especially at low flow velocities.
Implementation Method 1
a first fluid manipulation apparatus (FMA) that can be configured to receive the interior fluid flow downstream of the fluid inlet and can be further configured to change speed and pressure of the fluid flow within the channel
Implementation Method 2
a second FMA that can be configured to receive the interior fluid flow downstream of the PCA and upstream of the fluid outlet
Implementation Method 3
the channel can be configured to manipulate the interior fluid flow to reduce wave drag
Data Source
AI summary
By manipulating the fluid flow in the proximity of an object such as a fuselage, a wing, or the hull of ship, the wave drag associated with this object can be substantially reduced. This can be accomplished by locally changing both the fluid flow velocity and the pressure of the fluid flow.