Abstract
Use of synthetic jets for propulsion and enhanced aerodynamics of Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) is investigated as a possible alternative to other MAV propulsion systems. As a thick trailing edge does not have an adverse effect on the lift generation at low Reynolds numbers, a synthetic jet was placed at the trailing-edge of the wing. Using flow visualization and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements, interaction of the synthetic jet with low Reynolds number flow around the wing was investigated. The effects of excitation frequency, momentum coefficient and Reynolds number were investigated. It was shown that when the synthetic jet is activated, the otherwise separated shear layer reattaches near the trailing-edge for a cambered wing with jet momentum coefficients larger than a critical value. It is expected that the lift will be enhanced considerably while sufficient thrust is generated. PIV data suggests that low excitation frequencies provide larger thrust over the range of frequencies and Reynolds numbers tested.
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