Vortex Generator Surface Layout for Wake and Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft and watercraft face challenges in reducing the magnitude of the wake and noise generated by fluid interactions, which affect thrust production and environmental impact, while also seeking to minimize fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a duct arrangement with a vortex generator surface that induces vortices in fluid flow, reducing the vorticity magnitude of the wake and improving rotor efficiency, and the selective configuration of a vortex generator surface in watercraft to minimize wake and enhance propulsion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a duct arrangement is used to guide fluid flow, then fluid flow guidance is improved, but wake magnitude increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct arrangement is divided into multiple duct sections (first duct section, second duct section) with different orientations. The first duct section receives fluid flow and directs it to the second duct section, which is oriented at an angle (e.g., 90 degrees) to generate the fluid jet. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function while reducing overall wake magnitude through the angled configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct arrangement employs asymmetric orientation where the second duct section is positioned at an angle relative to the first duct section, rather than being collinear. This asymmetric configuration causes the fluid jet to be directed at an angle, which reduces the magnitude of the wake generated while maintaining effective fluid flow guidance and propulsion.
2Power
If fluid flow interaction is increased to produce thrust, then thrust production is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting the second duct section at an angle to the first duct section, the fluid jet is directed asymmetrically. This angled ejection reduces the intensity of direct fluid interaction with the surrounding environment, thereby lowering noise generation while still achieving effective thrust production through the directed fluid flow.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wake magnitude is reduced for safety, then safety distance requirements are improved, but thrust production may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric orientation of the duct sections directs the fluid jet at an angle, which reduces wake magnitude and the associated safety distance requirements. Simultaneously, the angled configuration maintains effective thrust production by optimizing the direction of fluid ejection, ensuring that thrust is generated efficiently without requiring excessive wake magnitude.
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 effectively reduces the wake and noise generated by fluid interactions, enhances thrust production, and improves propulsion efficiency while minimizing fuel consumption and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the vortex generator surface is arranged to induce vortices in the fluid flow through the first duct section
Implementation Method 2
the vorticity magnitude of the wake is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for influencing liquid flow comprises a first section selectively configurable to provide a vortex generator surface to induce vortices in the liquid flow. The arrangement further comprises a second section, wherein the first section and second section are movable relative to one another to provide the vortex generator surface.