Flow Control by Dynamic Vane Vortex Generators Based on Piezoceramic Actuators

Abstract

This paper describes a study of dynamical vane vortex generators in a flow over a flat plate. Fluidic vortex generators are more effective when operated dynamically. Thus, it is the aim of this study to find out whether mechanical vortex generators are also superior under dynamic operating conditions. The motion of the vortex generators is generated by piezoceramic actuators constructed in a bimorph configuration, which consists of a carbon-fiber bar covered with piezoceramic face actuators. The actuators exploit the longitudinal piezoelectric effect (d 33 effect), they are operated in resonance to reach the required displacement and generate a sinusoidal motion of the vortex generators. Vortex generators and actuators were integrated into a flat plate in a low-speed wind tunnel. A stereo particle image velocimetry system was used to record phase-locked flowfields that were analyzed using vortex classification methods. It was found that the transient development of the vortex core position and circulation is very different from that of static vanes. While vortices from static vortex generators are able to survive over a considerable distance, the vortices from dynamically driven ones decay faster. It is argued that the dynamic vortices have a greater ability to reorganize the momentum in the turbulent boundary layer.