The Flow Over a Backward Facing Step Subjected to Multiple Synthetic Jet Actuators

The ability of synthetic jet actuators to leverage natural instabilities in the flow field due to separation is reviewed for applications towards virtual shape change. The separating flow over a backward facing step of height h is studied under the influence of an actuator upstream and downstream of separation. Experimental tests were conducted in a wind tunnel using particle imaging velocimetry and time averaged static pressure data to measure and analyze the affected flow fields and pressure distribution. Results show a single actuator placed upstream of separation is capable of diminishing the separation region by up to 55%. By placing a second actuator downstream of separation, the ability to influence the pressure distribution has been shown. The two actuators demonstrated the ability to affect Cp and Cp/x in the region from 0 - 6h after the step. The location of the second actuator downstream was also shown to be no longer effective in influencing the pressure distributions after a distance of 4.67h downstream from the step.

The Flow Over a Backward Facing Step Subjected to Multiple Synthetic Jet Actuators Conference Paper