Sizing, Integration and Characterization of an Active Flow Control System

Abstract

The sizing of an Active Flow Control (AFC) system involves a wide design space and multiple variables including the target flight conditions, air source characteristics, AFC actuator selection, and optimizing the air distribution system. This design space is explored by using empirical and analytical models and validation with full-scale bench tests. Steady state and dynamic test points were performed to characterize the AFC system, capturing the mass flow, pressure, and temperature behavior under various system conditions. Designing a fully integrated AFC system for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) X-plane revealed additional integration challenges such as structural integration of the air distribution network, temperature implications, and control bandwidth requirements of the system when operating dynamically. The balance between optimizing the AFC system for performance and vehicle integration constraints was critical for a successful design. This engineering space is being addressed with the presented work.