Positron trap beam source

Not Available Suction has been proven to be a viable technique to influence the macro flow environment over airfoils. Two main problems exist with traditional suction: a) environmental contamination of the suction holes; and b) high suction and power requirements. In this Phase I program, Orbital Research Inc., will evaluate the feasibility of an active, self-clearing MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems) suction device for flow control on an airfoil. The proposed micro-valve will be a MEMS device that is electrostatically operated (low power) and capable of regulating the required suction. The micro-valve will actuate a novel suction flow control technique, which exploits the natural instability in separated flow to trigger intense vortices on the airfoil surface. Since part of the control input is supplied by the flow itself, the required suction level is reduced. Results from preliminary experiments indicate a potential two-order magnitude reduction in suction rate from conventional techniques. This program will design, fabricate and test this innovative, self-clearing MEMS micro-valve. Then, the active separation control system will demonstrate, and validate discrete suction under simulated rapid maneuvers as the airfoil is quickly moved through increasing angles of attack in the wind tunnel.