Smart Mesoflaps for Aeroelastic Transpiration for SBLI Flow Control
Abstract
This multi-disciplinary research project investigates the capability and performance of a novel concept termed Smart Mesoflaps for Aeroelastic Transpiration (SMAT), which will provide mass and momentum transfer to control shock/boundary-layer interactions (SBLIs). Such flow control can be critical for supersonic mixed-compression inlets which have impinging oblique-shocks. The SMAT concept consists of a matrix of small flaps (sub-millimetric in thickness) covering an enclosed cavity. These flaps are designed to undergo local aeroelastic deflection to achieve proper mass bleed or injection when subjected to impinging oblique shocks. The resulting system is designed to efficiently reduce and prevent flow separation caused by SBLIs. The expected pay-offs in aircraft performance are a lighter, smaller, and more robust bleed system for supersonic inlets with reduced compressor-face inlet distortion. This study closely integrates experimental and computational investigations of the SMAT concept in relevant SBLI flowfields. The numerical studies employ an aeroelastic finite element code to investigate the physics between the supersonic turbulent boundary layer, the subsonic cavity flow, and the deforming mesoflaps. These analyses are coupled to advanced shape-optimization techniques such that mesoflap design can be optimized for a given flow condition. The resulting methodology is being used to guide the fabrication of the mesoflaps using both conventional metal alloys and smart materials. Aerodynamic experiments will be conducted for various flap arrays to investigate fundamental flow phenomenon and measure aerodynamic performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378320
Entities
People
- Craig Dutton
- Daniel Tortorelli
- Eric Loth
- Philippe H Geubelle
- Scott R. White
Organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign