Pocketed Surface Turbulence Control for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack effective methods for inducing controlled turbulence in fluids, which is necessary for controlling fluid flow and reducing drag in various applications, such as vehicles and fluidized bed mixers.
Innovation Solution
A controlled turbulence system is created using a surface with laterally spaced pockets and equalizing grooves, where the geometry and arrangement of these features induce wave forms with different frequencies, generating a turbulence boundary layer in the fluid, and adjustable parameters allow for varying turbulence levels through external energy inputs and feedback control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a field of pockets or grooves is used to induce controlled turbulence, then drag reduction and flow control are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface is segmented into multiple pockets and grooves arranged in specific patterns. Each pocket acts as an independent turbulence generator, collectively creating a controlled turbulence boundary layer that reduces drag without requiring complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex active turbulence generation systems with passive geometric features (pockets and grooves) that automatically generate controlled turbulence through fluid flow interaction, eliminating the need for mechanical actuators or complex control mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If external energy inputs are used to adjust turbulence levels, then adaptability and control precision are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of turbulence characteristics by varying external energy inputs (such as flow rate, pressure, or vibration frequency), enabling the same pocket/groove structure to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring multiple fixed configurations
Solution Approach 2:
Turbulence levels are controlled by changing physical parameters such as fluid velocity, pressure, or the dimensions of pockets and grooves, allowing continuous adjustment of flow characteristics through simple parameter variation rather than complex system reconfiguration
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 system effectively creates a controlled turbulence boundary layer that reduces drag, increases accuracy and distance for projectiles, and provides self-centering and down-force effects, while also being adaptable for different applications by scaling and adjusting the pattern and feature dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
the first wave form and the second wave form have different frequencies, and wherein the first wave form and the second wave form cooperate in the working fluid to create a turbulence boundary layer
Implementation Method 2
create a turbulence boundary layer in the working fluid along the surface
Implementation Method 3
imparting external energy into the system through the use of pressure waves (such as ultrasound), particle radiation (such as photons, protons, or electrons), or other fields (such as magnetic, electromagnetic, or electrostatic fields) to induce a frequency based effect with resonant amplifying or dampening results
Implementation Method 4
impart a touchless gyroscopic spin to a projectile thereby decreasing drag and increasing distance and accuracy of the projectile
Data Source
AI summary
A controlled turbulence system is disclosed to have a surface and means configured to induce a first wave form in a working fluid along the surface. Some embodiments of the invention may include a second means configured to induce a second wave form in the working fluid, wherein the first wave form and the second wave form have different frequencies. The first and/or second means may be provided as fields of pockets formed in the surface or wave-based generators.