Development of an Innovative Practical UAV with no Moving Aerodynamic Control Surfaces

Prior to this project, zero net mass flux Synthetic Jet Actuators (SJAs) were used primarily as a mechanism to keep flow attached that would otherwise be separated. Thus, SJAs located near a wing’s leading edge have been shown in experimental projects such as the NASA/GTRI Stingray UAV to be effective for producing forces and moments suitable for flight control only at high angles of attack. In the Phase I of this project, Aerotonomy, Incorporated and subcontractor Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) have successfully demonstrated in high quality wind tunnel tests the innovative use of zero net mass flux SJAs in conjunction with a Coanda surface trailing edge to generate control forces and moments both at high and low angles of attack. During Phase II, we will develop models of the relationship between actuation control variables and the resulting changes in the transient flow field around the airfoil in order to develop methods for the design and optimization of SJA systems for various UAV and wing geometries. We will then use these methods to design and demonstrate closed loop control of an optimized flow control actuated wing model in dynamic wind tunnel tests.