Oscillating Surface Actuators With Fluid Jets for Flow Field Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control technologies face limitations in finely controlling flow modifications and often cannot be easily removed when ineffective, leading to performance penalties in aerodynamic surfaces and heat transfer systems.
Innovation Solution
An actuator assembly system that incorporates dynamic shape changes and oscillatory motion of bodies with fluid jets to manipulate flow fields, using oscillators and fluid jet sources to introduce momentum and vorticity, allowing for tunable physical and virtual modifications of fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive flow modification devices are used to enhance aerodynamic performance, then flow control capability is improved, but the devices cannot be removed when ineffective and result in performance penalty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic flow control devices that can be actively deployed and retracted based on operational conditions. The devices transition from a retracted state (when not needed) to a deployed state (when flow control is required), enabling adaptability while maintaining flow control capability when needed.
2Measurement precision
If active flow modification devices are used to finely control flow fields, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control system is divided into multiple independent control elements distributed across the surface. Each element can be individually actuated, allowing fine-grained control of the flow field while keeping each individual element relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes oscillating or pulsed flow control elements that periodically interact with the boundary layer. This periodic action enables precise control over flow separation and reattachment patterns, achieving fine flow control through temporal modulation rather than complex spatial structures.
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
The system achieves high-efficiency, specific control over flow fields with minimal disturbance, enhancing aerodynamic performance, heat transfer, and reducing noise and structural vibrations with low input power, applicable to various vehicles and systems.
Implementation Method 1
dynamic oscillatory motion of the body, and/or periodic addition of momentum and/or vorticity by a fluid jet emitted from the body
Implementation Method 2
periodic addition of momentum and/or vorticity by a fluid jet emitted from the body
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for controlling a fluid flow field near a surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes an array of oscillating bodies disposed on the surface to provide physical modification to the flow field. Fluid jets are also emitted from an outlet in the oscillating body to provide virtual modification of the flow field through momentum addition. Fluid jet sources, including synthetic jet generators such as piezoelectric drivers and sources of compressed fluids such as air or water, are positioned to be in fluid communication with the outlet at intervals during the oscillation of the oscillating body. Controlling the oscillation amplitude and frequency of the body, as well as the location of oscillating body outlets and frequency of fluid jet emission, have advantageous effects for the surface such as improved heat transfer properties and reduction in structural vibration and noise.