Perforated Panel Skin for Laminar Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerodynamic surfaces often experience turbulent flow due to interruptions in the boundary layer, leading to non-optimal lift and drag, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A perforated panel skin with a stiffened inner surface and hollow members oriented chord-wise to suction air, promoting laminar flow by maintaining a smooth airflow over the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a smooth aerodynamic surface is used to maintain laminar flow, then skin friction drag is reduced, but structural strength and stiffness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin perforated skin that maintains aerodynamic smoothness for laminar flow while incorporating hollow structural members behind the skin to provide necessary structural strength. The thin skin acts as a flexible shell that preserves laminar flow characteristics while the internal hollow members bear structural loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements hollow structural members positioned behind the thin perforated skin, creating a nested structure where the skin is外层 and the hollow members are inner structural support elements. This nested arrangement allows the thin skin to maintain laminar flow while the internal hollow members provide structural strength.
2Loss of energy
If a thin perforated skin is used to enable laminar flow, then skin friction drag is reduced, but structural stiffness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The thin perforated skin serves as a flexible shell that maintains aerodynamic smoothness for laminar flow while the internal hollow members provide the necessary stiffness. The skin thickness is optimized to be thin enough for laminar flow but sufficient to maintain structural integrity when combined with the hollow members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining the thin perforated skin with hollow structural members, potentially using different materials optimized for their specific functions - the skin for aerodynamic performance and the hollow members for structural stiffness and strength.
3Strength
If hollow structural members are added to maintain stiffness, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow structural members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural strength and stiffness, acts as suction sources for boundary layer control, and maintain the aerodynamic shape. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining what would otherwise be separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural support function with the laminar flow control function by making the hollow members serve both purposes. The structural members are integrated into the design as dual-purpose elements rather than adding separate laminar flow control systems.
4Strength
If the inner surface is stiffened with hollow members, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the structure into modular components - the thin perforated skin and the hollow structural members - that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process while simplifying overall production.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow members extend in the spanwise direction behind the skin, adding a third dimension to the structural support system. This dimensional approach allows the structure to achieve required stiffness without increasing skin thickness, simplifying the manufacturing of the aerodynamic surface itself.
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 solution enables laminar flow over aerodynamic surfaces, reducing skin friction drag and maintaining structural integrity, while allowing for easy inspection and repair.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one hollow member is oriented in a substantially chord-wise direction relative to an airflow over the aerodynamic body and is operable to suction air from the outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
An aerodynamic body operable to both promote laminar flow and satisfy structural requirements is disclosed. A perforated panel skin comprises an inner surface and an outer surface of the aerodynamic body. At least one hollow member is coupled to the inner surface and is operable to suction air from the outer surface and through the perforated panel skin. The at least one hollow member is oriented in a substantially chord-wise direction relative to an airflow over the aerodynamic body.