SparkJet Actuators for Flow Control

Abstract

Abstract : Effective manipulation of a flow field can lead to a number of significant benefits to aerospace vehicle systems, including enhanced performance, maneuverability, payload and range, as well as lowered overall cost. These macro benefits are directly achievable through the application of flow-control technology on the micro scale. Practical application of active flow control is dependent upon the development of robust actuators that are reliable, low cost, and responsive. An example of promising actuator technology for supersonic flow applications is the SparkJet actuator under development at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. The SparkJet has demonstrated the ability to produce a synthetic jet with high exhaust velocities, and hence holds the promise of manipulating high-speed flows without moving aerodynamic structures. Practical application of the SparkJet technology will require the development and demonstration of distributed actuator arrays.