Transverse Wave Plasma Arrays for High-Speed Boundary Layer Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow transition control structures for high-speed aircrafts, such as vortex generators and piezoelectric synthetic jet generators, fail to adequately meet the control needs of the second mode of the boundary layer due to limitations in frequency, intensity, power, and operating condition coverage, leading to reduced flow control effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A transverse wave excitation plasma array generator is introduced, comprising a plasma array controller with plasma generators that generate high-frequency jets to produce spatially distributed high-frequency transverse waves, resonating with the second mode of the boundary layer to promote transition, and adjust these waves in real time based on flight state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive control structures (e.g., vortex generators) are used for flow transition control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different flight conditions and the ability to control the second mode of the boundary layer is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs plasma generators that can dynamically adjust their operating parameters (frequency, amplitude, phase) in real-time based on flight conditions. The plasma array controller enables dynamic control of the boundary layer transition by adjusting the excitation parameters of individual plasma generators, allowing the system to adapt to varying flight regimes while maintaining effective control of the second mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and operating parameters of the plasma generators to achieve different control effects. By varying the frequency, amplitude, and phase of the plasma generation, the system can control boundary layer transition under different flight conditions. The plasma generators operate at high frequencies (1 kHz - 3 kHz) with adjustable voltages (1 kV - 10 kV) to achieve the desired flow control.
2Power
If blowing and suction systems or piezoelectric synthetic jet generators are used, then the flow control capability is improved, but the frequency, intensity, and power are insufficient to meet the control needs of the second mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical blowing and suction systems with a plasma-based electromagnetic actuation system. The plasma generators use high-frequency electricity to create plasma jets that can be precisely controlled through electromagnetic fields. This substitution enables higher power output and more reliable control of the second mode of the boundary layer, as the plasma system can deliver greater energy density and more consistent excitation frequencies.
3Productivity
If the plasma array generator is used to generate high-frequency jets, then the frequency and intensity for controlling the second mode are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow control system into multiple independent plasma generators arranged in an array, with each generator capable of independent control. The plasma array controller manages these segmented units, allowing selective activation and adjustment of individual generators based on the specific control requirements. This segmentation enables effective control of the second mode while distributing the system complexity across multiple manageable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma generators are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the actuation mechanism for generating high-frequency jets and as the sensing elements for detecting boundary layer conditions. The same plasma generation system provides both the excitation for controlling the second mode and the diagnostic capability through plasma-induced fluorescence or other sensing mechanisms, reducing the need for separate systems.
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 array generator effectively controls the boundary layer transition by achieving frequency modulation and intensity adjustment, widening the flow control boundary and enhancing flight stability of high-speed aircrafts.
Implementation Method 1
control the plurality of plasma generators to generate high-frequency jets under an excitation of high-frequency electricity
Implementation Method 2
obtain spatially distributed high-frequency transverse waves
Implementation Method 3
obtain spatially distributed high-frequency transverse waves, and generate, based on the high-frequency transverse waves, high-frequency excitation for controlling a second mode of a boundary layer
Data Source
AI summary
A transverse wave excitation plasma array generator is provided, comprising a plasma array controller and a controlled profile. The plasma array controller includes a plurality of plasma generators, and the plasma array controller is mounted on the controlled profile. The plasma array controller is configured to: control the plurality of plasma generators to generate high-frequency jets under an excitation of high-frequency electricity, obtain spatially distributed high-frequency transverse waves, and generate, based on the high-frequency transverse waves, high-frequency excitation for controlling a second mode of a boundary layer of the controlled profile to promote transition of the boundary layer of the controlled profile, improving a boundary of a frequency domain of plasma flow control. Besides, each of the plurality of plasma generators is connected in series with a plurality of capacitor units and the plurality of inductive coils to form a multi-level array loop. A lower array loop is connected with the inductive coil of a higher array loop to form a loop module. A plurality of the loop modules are connected in series to form a loop module group. A plurality of the loop module groups are connected in parallel to form the plasma array controller.