System for Global Flow Field Management Using Distributed, Surface-Embedded, Nano-Scale Boundary Layer Actuation

A system of providing distributed flow control to manage the behavior of a global flow field, the system comprising:

• an array of a plurality of nano jet actuators connected to a surface of a structure upstream of a serpentine duct having an inlet extending through the surface of the structure to be in fluid contact with a primary fluid flow structure entering the inlet when operationally flowing and positioned to alter a secondary flow structure in a viscous wall sublayer of a turbulent boundary layer of the primary fluid flow structure with the plurality of nano-jet actuators to induce controlled disturbances at the viscous wall sublayer of the turbulent boundary layer of the primary fluid flow structure when operationally flowing and to manipulate fluid behavior of the primary fluid flow structure to influence performance of the serpentine duct, the array of the plurality of nano jet actuators having a subset positioned at a location at or adjacent an expected point of incipient separation from the surface of the structure of at least portions of the primary fluid flow structure, a subset positioned substantially upstream of the expected point of incipient separation, and a subset positioned therebetween;
• and
• a controller configured to perform the following operations:
• detecting static pressure along a plurality of separate and spaced apart longitudinal locations within the array,
• determining the location of the expected point of incipient separation responsive to the detected static pressure, and
• separately controlling the mass flow of at least a subset of the plurality of nano-jet actuators responsive to the determined location of the expected point of incipient separation.