System, apparatus, program product, and related methods for providing boundary layer flow control

US8523115B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Lockheed Martin Corporation · US

Inventors

• Katherine Anne Essenhigh · Elma, US
• Fengfeng Tao · Clifton Park, US
• Grover Andrew Bennett · Schenectady, US
• Matthew Patrick Boespflug · Clifton Park, US
• Robert Carl Murray · Orlando, US
• Seyed Gholani Saddoughi · Clifton Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 28, 2011
• Grant date: Sep 3, 2013
• Expiry date: Mar 3, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T50/10
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Systems, apparatus, and program product and methods for controlling boundary layer flow across an aerodynamic structure which can produce separate regions of flow structures at different strengths by means of dielectric-barrier-discharge (DBD) type plasmas, are provided. An example of such apparatus provides plasma regions that are capable of being individually controlled by voltage and/or frequency, and modulated for the purposes of flow control. The apparatus includes an electrode assembly fitted with electrodes on either side of a dielectric such that different electrode geometries and arrangements create isolated regions of plasmas which results in separate regions of flow structures. These regions may be further controlled and modulated by the use of electronic-switching to produce irregularly shaped flow structures and strengths including those having a primarily vertical component.