Development of Synthetic Jet Actuator Array for Vortex-Flow Generation

One of the options to improve the aerodynamic performance of wind turbines, airplane wings or trucks is due to active controlling of fluid flow. The most appropriate implementation concept is the use of synthetic jet actuators (SJA). There are different types of these kind of fluid flow generators. However, all they have conjointly the basic elements: membrane with attached piezoelectric disk element and small cavity with an orifice. In the case of symmetric composition of SJA is it possible to develop simple space-saving array module. Each module has two orifice which can be directed from or against each other in an angle. Thus the fluid jets are alternately generated. In a simple case the membrane is equipped on the side with one thin piezoelectric disk. The symmetrical attachment of a second one on the other side brings some advantages in the load performance or act as a sensor for structural health monitoring of the system. The positioning of at least two modules close to each other provides creation of crossing fluid jets, which finally leads to the formation of vortex flow. For design and optimization of symmetric jet actuators an equivalent circuit representation network model was used.