Switchable vortex generator and array formed therewith, and uses of the same
AssigneeAirbus Operations GmbH
InventorsKlaus-Peter Neitzke, Karin Bauer, Christian Bolzmacher, Winfried Kupke
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention relates to a vortex generator (10), in particular for a model (12) in a fluid-dynamic channel. In order to save time during the development of vehicles, in particular aircraft, in particular to save wind tunnel time, it is suggested to configure the vortex generator (10) switchable. Further, the invention relates to various uses of such a switchable vortex generator (10), in particular on models in fluid-dynamic channels and in fluid-dynamic channel tests.
Claims24
A switchable vortex generator for arrangement on a flow-dynamic surface comprising
- a vortex generating element reciprocatingly switchable between at least first and second positions, the vortex generating element being configured to generate vortices in a flow flowing in the area of said flow-dynamic surface, and
- a support member configured to support the vortex generating element, the support member being moveable to selectively hold the vortex generating element at least in the first position at which the vortex generating element is extended from the surface and in the second position, differing from the first position, at which the vortex generating element is retracted into the surface,
- the support member including a bistable biasing member configured to bias the vortex generating element in the first position so that the vortex generating element remains in the first position without energy input.
A vortex generating apparatus for arrangement on a flow-dynamic surface where a fluid medium flows, comprising an arrangement of a plurality of vortex generators, each vortex generator comprising:
- a vortex generating element reciprocatingly switchable between at least first and second positions, the vortex generating element being configured to generate vortices in a flow flowing in the area of said flow-dynamic surface, and
- a support member configured to support the vortex generating element, the support member being moveable to selectively hold the vortex generating element at least in the first position at which the vortex generating element is extended from the surface and in the second position, differing from the first position, at which the vortex generating element is retracted into the surface,
- the support member including a bistable biasing member configured to bias the vortex generating element in the first position so that the vortex generating element remains in the first position without energy input.
A body in a flowing fluid medium, having an arrangement of a plurality of vortex generators, each vortex generator comprising:
- a vortex generating element reciprocatingly switchable between at least first and second positions, the vortex generating element being configured to generate vortices in a flow flowing in the area of said flow-dynamic surface, and
- a support member configured to support the vortex generating element, the support member being moveable to selectively hold the vortex generating element at least in the first position at which the vortex generating element is extended from the surface and in the second position, differing from the first position, at which the vortex generating element is retracted into the surface,
- the support member including a bistable biasing member configured to bias the vortex generating element in the first position so that the vortex generating element remains in the first position without energy input.
A switchable vortex generator for arrangement on a flow-dynamic surface comprising
- a vortex generating element reciprocatingly switchable between at least first and second positions, the vortex generating clement being configured to generate vortices in a flow flowing in the area of said flow-dynamic surface, and
- a support member configured to support the vortex generating element, the support member being moveable to selectively hold the vortex generating element in the first position at which the vortex generating element is extended from the surface and in the second position, differing from the first position, at which the vortex generating element is retracted into the surface such that the supporting member is switchable between the first and second positions by the application of an external magnetic force external to the switchable vortex generator, the support member including a bistable biasing member configured to bias the vortex generating element in the first position so that the vortex generating element remains in the first position without energy input.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.