F-35 Lift Augmentation with Synthetic Jets

Synthetic Jet (SJ) actuators have recently been pursued as solutions in active flow control applications and aeroshaping of airfoils. Of particular interest is the use of SJ actuators as flight air flow control devices where their compact size, reduced weight and all-electric actuation make them desirable for use on high performance military aircraft. In this proposed program, the performance, reliability and uniformity of the piezoelectric SJ actuators developed in Phase I will be optimized through modifications to the materials used in their construction, the design of their internal elements, and the manufacturing process. Synthetic jets will be tested under various environmental factors including humidity, salt spray, dust exposure, temperature variation, and shock and vibration conditions; under high drive conditions; and in accelerated life testing. The integration of a synthetic jet flow control system into the hingeline of a representative wing section with a highly deflected trailing edge flap will be investigated. A full-scale mock up of design concept will be fabricated as an airfoil segment centered on the hingeline of the actuator installation point. With the jet velocities defined, full scale section lift benefits will be estimated based on available wind tunnel test data and computational simulations. BENEFIT: This SJ actuators being developed in this program will provide numerous benefits in both military and commercial aircraft applications, including but not limited to: increasing lift on aircraft wings or turbine blades; reducing noise in aircraft engines; optimizing vehicle performance including reduced speed and increased weight at landing; improving aerodynamic control (for improved aircraft maneuverability); reducing control surface size and weight; and improving control in unsteady wake conditions. The technology developed in this program will be applied to the optimization of piezo diaphragm air and liquid pumps which can potentially be utilized in a wide variety of commercial applications including medical (e.g. ambulatory & syringe infusion pumps, enteral feeding pumps); automobile (e.g. automobile windshield washer pumps); computer thermal management (e.g. desktops, workstations, servers, etc.); industrial (e.g. chemical processing, cleaning, semiconductor manufacturing); and consumer (e.g. air pumps for fish tanks).