Modeling and development of synthetic jet actuators in flow separation control application

This paper presents the application of lumped element modeling for the modeling and design of a synthetic jet actuator. The reduced-order model is first reviewed and the basic dynamic behavior discussed. Quantitative design goals for a specific flow control application are then translated into desirable actuator characteristics, and used to solve the optimal design synthesis problem. The actuator built from the specifications given by the model is finally characterized via hot-wire anemometer (HWA) and compared with lumped element modeling (LEM) prediction. Ultimately, the goal of this work is to achieve drag reduction flow control using the synthetic jet actuator embedded in the afterbody of a car vehicle.