Numerical simulation investigation on parameters influencing synthetic-jet for active flow control

Abstract

Synthetic-Jet(SJ) technology is a novel method for flow control in aerodynamic design of aircrafts. With development of science and technology, flow control method based on SJ technology makes significant progress, and it is very useful. Furthermore, Synthetic-Jet actuator (SJA) has advantages of light weight, simple structure, no need for external air supply. With incessant requirements for high performances of spacecrafts, the application of active flow control technology, especially SJ technology, turns into one of the hottest research topics. In this paper, based on two-dimensional structured moving grids algorithm and multi-block grid technology, numerical simulation investigation about the effects of parameters on the performances of SJA is conducted. The research results indicate that the maximum jet velocity increases as the SJA vibration frequency and amplitude increase, and decreases as the orifice diameter increases. The orifice thickness has little influence on the maximum jet velocity. SJ flow presents turbulent characteristics at high Reynolds number (Re), and the increase of Re makes diameter of vortex core and attenuation speed greater, the increase of Strouhal number (St) makes diameter of vortex core smaller. In a word, the paper presents effects of different physical parameters, such as operating parameters, orifice parameters, Re, St, and so on, on flow characteristics of SJ. The results may provide technical support for the design and application of SJA.