Remotely controlled methods and systems for actuating boundary layer transition devices in a wind tunnel model

US10656048B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Frederick T. Calkins · Renton, US
• Dan J. Clingman · Auburn, US
• Robert C. Griffiths · Seattle, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 30, 2017
• Grant date: May 19, 2020
• Expiry date: May 6, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H02N2/02
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system reproduces aerodynamic boundary layer transition conditions in a wind tunnel test environment under ambient to cryogenic temperature conditions. The system includes a test component disposed in the test environment that defines an exterior surface. A trip dot is mounted on the test component and has a first state, in which a distal surface of the trip dot is at a first elevation relative to the exterior surface of the test component, and a second state, in which the distal surface of the trip dot is at a second elevation relative to the exterior surface of the test component. An actuator is operably coupled to the trip dot and configured to transition the trip dot between first and second states. A controller remotely causes the actuator to transition the trip dot between the first and second states.