Effect of synthetic jet arrays on boundary layer control

An investigation into the interaction of a synthetic jet actuator array with a thick, turbulent boundary layer was conducted and the results are presented here. This paper documents an experimental effort that was directed towards improving the understanding of synthetic jet actuator arrays and the mechanism by which these actuators control flows at scales much larger than themselves. Of specific interest is the interaction of a synthetic jet flow and the boundary layer flow on a flat or curved wall where the axis of the synthetic jet is perpendicular to the direction of the oncoming: flow. The investigation addressed, in broad terms, a typical control application involving internal flows. A synthesis of the results will provide guidance and direction in future actuator designs and implementation strategies, and feed design input to test plans for an extensive study of actuator control effects in a duct with variable pressure gradient and variable streamline curvature.