Plasma-Actuated Vortex Generators for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vortex generators can create counterproductive parasitic drag at off-design operating conditions and are inefficient in maintaining attached flow across surfaces with large angles-of-attack or steep slopes, leading to increased drag and reduced lift.
Innovation Solution
A plasma-actuated vortex generator arrangement that includes a plurality of vortex generators spaced apart on a body surface, with a plasma actuator generating an electric field between them to induce fluid flow and enhance boundary layer attachment, using AC dielectric barrier discharge or DC ion wind plasma actuators to promote co-rotating or counter-rotating vortices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vortex generators are used to delay flow separation and reduce drag, then flow attachment is improved, but parasitic drag increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical vortex generators with a plasma actuator system that uses electromagnetic fields to generate fluid flow. The plasma actuator creates ionized gas that exerts body forces on the fluid, eliminating the need for physical fins or blades that create parasitic drag. This substitution maintains flow attachment while reducing harmful drag forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by using plasma physics principles instead of conventional aerodynamics. By controlling plasma parameters such as voltage, current, and gas composition, the system generates controlled fluid flow without mechanical components. This parameter transformation enables flow control without the parasitic drag inherent in mechanical vortex generators.
2Reliability
If conventional vortex generators are used to maintain attached flow, then control effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical vortex generator systems with a plasma actuator that uses electromagnetic field generation. Instead of requiring multiple mechanical components, moving parts, and complex structural assemblies, the system uses plasma physics to achieve the same control objectives with simpler, more reliable technology.
3Reliability
If plasma actuators are used to induce fluid flow, then flow separation is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes plasma actuator parameters including voltage, current, frequency, and gas composition to achieve efficient flow control. By carefully tuning these parameters, the system reduces the energy required to generate effective fluid flow while maintaining separation reduction capabilities. The plasma actuator operates at frequencies and power levels that minimize energy consumption compared to conventional alternatives.
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 plasma-actuated vortex generators significantly reduce drag, increase lift, and enhance control effectiveness by delaying flow separation, with improved efficiency and reduced power consumption, enabling more extreme airfoil shapes and better performance at off-design conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a plasma actuator distributed amongst the plurality of vortex generators to generate an electric field between the vortex generators and induce fluid flow from one of the vortex generators to another of the vortex generators across a space between the vortex generators
Implementation Method 2
the plasma actuator is an AC dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator. According to another aspect of this embodiment, the plasma actuator is a DC ion wind plasma actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A plasma-actuated vortex generator arrangement includes a plurality of spaced-apart vortex generators, and a plasma actuator distributed amongst the plurality of vortex generators.