Active flow control on a UCAV planform using synthetic jets

Abstract

This paper deals with experimental investigation of active flow control via synthetic jets using an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) planform. Fourteen arrays of synthetic jets, mounted along both leading edges, were fully or partially activated to increase aerodynamic efficiency and reduce pitch-up moment. The measurements were carried out using a six-component external balance, a pressure scanner, and tuft flow visualization. It was observed that aerodynamic efficiency (L/D) and pitching moment were clearly affected by the location of jets. In particular, inboard and outboard actuation could effectively increase L/D. Moreover, inboard actuation showed a reduction in the pitch-up, even more than that generated by the full actuation. These results suggest that inboard actuation not only effectively increases L/D but also reduces the pitch-up using only a few actuators.