Virtual aerodynamic surface systems
AssigneeRohr, Inc.
InventorsTeresa M. Kruckenberg, Vijay V. Pujar, Robert L. Braden
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Abstract
A method of generating a pressure wave proximate an airflow surface and altering airflow to promote a localized lowering of skin friction over the airflow surface is described herein. A series of pressure waves may be configured to create a virtual riblet to control turbulent vortices in a boundary layer adjacent to the airflow surface creating a virtual riblet. The pressure waves may be configured to prevent disruption of the flow of air relative to at least one of a step or a gap associated with the airflow surface. The pressure wave generating system may be comprised of at least one of a thermoacoustic material, a piezoelectric material and a semiconductor material, and a microelectric circuit.
Claims4
A method comprising:
- generating a pressure wave from within a core of a composite material through a perforated structure, the perforated structure defining a gap, wherein:
- the pressure wave is configured to prevent disruption of a fluid flow of air over the perforated structure,
- the core of the composite material comprising a noise attenuation structure comprising a septum coated with a plurality of nanomaterials,
- the pressure wave is generated by applying an oscillating electrical current to the plurality of nanomaterials to propagate pressure waves from within the core through the perforated structure,
- the pressure wave creates a gap filler that presents a virtually smooth aerodynamic surface with reduced drag,
- the pressure wave forms a valley of a virtual riblet surface in a low density area, and
- the pressure wave forms a peak of the virtual riblet surface in a high density area.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.