Synthetic jet flowfield database for computational fluid dynamics validation

A flowfield database of a synthetic jet flow in a quiescent environment is provided for the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation. Flowfield measurements were obtained using three different techniques that included particle image velocimetry (PIV), laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV), and hot-wire anemometry. The actuator operating parameters, including diaphragm displacement, internal cavity pressure, and internal cavity temperature, were documented to provide boundary conditions for CFD modeling. There were two stages of jet development downstream, giving evidence of different flow processes in each stage. It was established that a 2-D modeling may only be sufficient or valid within the first stage of the jet development. Clase agreement were observed between the LDV and PIV in the near field, when the jet velocity profiles were scaled by the peak cavity pressure or diaphragm displacement.