Patent · US Active

System and method for aerodynamic flow control

US8640995B2 · kind B2 · utility

12Cited by
20References
20Claims
0Family size

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Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 31, 2009
Grant dateFeb 4, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 2, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T50/10
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A vortex generator system comprises one or more plasma streamwise vortex generators (PSVGs) or plasma wedge vortex generators (PWVGs). The PSVGs and PWVGs each comprises a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a dielectric layer. The first electrode extends in a longitudinal direction. The PSVGs and PWVGs can be installed on a surface arranged to receive airflow in a certain flow direction. The PSVGs have a rectangular first electrode is exposed and extends at least somewhat parallel to the expected flow direction, whereas the first electrode of the PWVGs is more triangular in shape. When an AC voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes, a plasma forms along edges of the first electrode. The plasma imposes a body force in a cross-flow direction, which induces a cross-flow velocity that, in combination with the mean flow, produces streamwise-oriented counter-rotating vortices.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.