Implementation of Active Implementation of Active Flow Control using Microjets Flow Control using Microjets on an RC Aircrafton an RC Aircraft

Dan DrakePhil KrethHussein NabulsiMatt Tubtim

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Farrukh AlviSponsor: Dr. Gregg Abate (Eglin AFB)

04.03.2008

BackgroundBackgroundFlow Separation

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Flow separated ~16° AOA Reattached flow ~ 5 psig @ microjets

MotivationMotivation

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Baseline flow

• ONERA D Airfoil• Span = 1 m, Chord = 0.35• U= 45 m/s, = 14 • Control applied to 40% of span

Flow with Control

*Conducted at the Université de Poitiers, France

Images & Video Courtesy of Dr. Farrukh Alvi

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-5 0 5 10 15 20 25 (°)

CL Unforced FlowMicrojets Pressure 0.3 barMicrojets Pressure 1.1 barMicrojets Pressure 1.5 bar

MotivationMotivation

04.03.2008

Images Courtesy of Dr. Farrukh Alvi

20-30% gain in CL

Control applied to 40% of span

Needs AssessmentNeeds AssessmentImplement microjets on RC AirplaneRemotely activate each wingRun time should be 30 secs or moreDelay stall and improve liftUse off-the-shelf items onlyBudget = $1,50000

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Wind Tunnel TestingWind Tunnel Testing

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Paint Testing◦ Uncertainty in interpretation

Smoke Wire◦ Minimum WT speed too high

Tuft Testing◦ Success

Flow Reattachment VideoFlow Reattachment Video

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Air Supply Method

Air Supply Method

Performance Measurements

Final Design Schematic

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Actual Design

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Final Design ComponentsFinal Design ComponentsOverhead View

Close-up view:

Tank

Regulator

Valves

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High Pressure Tank Location

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Shielding for High Pressure Cylinder

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Pressure Manifolds and Microjets in Wing

to microjets

from valves04.03.2008

Added Weight: 10 lbsTotal Weight: 14 lbs

Budget & WeightBudget & Weight

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Test PlanTest PlanVideo aircraft on ground

◦Show all systems in working orderFlight testing, no controlFlight testing, with control

◦Acquire video from on-board camera

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Flight Test GoalsFlight Test GoalsDon’t crash!Demonstrate reattachment

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Flight Test VideoFlight Test Video

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Outcomes & ConclusionsOutcomes & ConclusionsSystem was successful

◦ No “bad landings”◦ Microjets remotely activated◦ Reattached flow demonstrated

Proposed Future Work◦ Demonstrate Roll Control◦ Measure CL and CD improvements

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Special ThanksSpecial ThanksEglin Air Force Base

◦ Dr. Gregg AbateAAPL – FAMU-FSU

◦ Dr. Farrukh AlviMechanical Engineering Dept

◦ Dr. Cesar Luongo◦ Mr. Jon Cloos

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Questions and CommentsQuestions and Comments

04.03.2008