Aircraft Drag Reduction Using a MEMS-Based Flow Control Device

Drag reduction via active control of wing boundary layers will result in substantial performance and range improvements for both military and commercial aircraft. The increased efficiency will reduce costs in both sectors and increase profitability of commercial operations. Key to the success of an active control system is the development of a um scale flow control device suitable for implementing whatever control algorithms show best rag reduction results. Nielsen Engineering proposes to design, fabricate and demonstrate such a device. It will produce a general three velocity component control signal without need for surface deformation or deployment of suxiliary micro-flaps. The device will be fabricated using MEMS technology, and consideration will be given to identifying current capability deficiencies in available MEMS components as well as integration issues associated with construction and operation of arrays of these devices.