Experimental investigation of suction and oscillatory blowing as an alternative for a leading edge slat

Abstract

High lift devices such as flaps and slats have conventionally served in multi-element wings to enhance aerodynamic performances in general, and lift in particular. However, more innovative solutions are required to address the evolving challenges the aviation industry faces to reach higher lift capabilities. Active flow control (AFC) has been studied for many years but applications have remained strictly experimental and did not reach any widespread industrial use to enhance aerodynamic performance. This experimental study investigates applying a novel AFC concept to a high-lift wing configuration to replace the slat with AFC actuators that incorporate suction and oscillatory blowing (SaOB) into the main element of a thick airfoil. The multi-element wing is equipped with an AFC system to investigate the possibility of replacing the leading edge slat with an AFC actuator. The benefits of having an AFC system acting as a virtual slat are discussed quantitatively, with experimental results, and practically as an efficient solution for designing a lighter and more capable high-lift device. This research aims to characterize the application of AFC to a wing in terms of aerodynamics and energy efficiency.