Boundary layer flow disruptors for delaying transition to turbulent flow
OwnerReginald J Extoninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus delays the transition of a boundary layer flow from laminar to turbulent. Flow disruptors are positioned to be in contact with a boundary layer flow moving in a flow direction over a surface. Each flow disruptor generates fluctuations in the boundary layer flow such that the frequency of the fluctuations is a damping region frequency defined by an amplification rate curve associated with the boundary layer flow.
Claims20
An apparatus for delaying the transition of a boundary layer flow from laminar to turbulent, comprising:
- a plurality of flow disruptors adapted to be in contact with a boundary layer flow moving in a flow direction over a surface, each of said flow disruptors generating fluctuations in the boundary layer flow at a frequency that is a damping region frequency defined by an amplification rate curve associated with the boundary layer flow.
An apparatus for delaying the transition of a boundary layer flow from laminar to turbulent, comprising:
- a plurality of flow disruptors adapted to be in contact with a boundary layer flow moving at a velocity in a flow direction over a surface and arranged approximately perpendicular to the flow direction, each of said flow disruptors generating fluctuations in the boundary layer flow at a frequency that is a damping region frequency defined by an amplification rate curve associated with the boundary layer flow at the velocity.
An apparatus for delaying the transition of a boundary layer flow from laminar to turbulent, comprising:
- a plurality of flow disruptors adapted to be in contact with a boundary layer flow moving at a velocity in a flow direction over a surface and arranged approximately perpendicular to the flow direction, each of said flow disruptors generating fluctuations in the boundary layer flow at a frequency that is a damping region frequency defined by an amplification rate curve associated with the boundary layer flow at the velocity;
- and
- each of said flow disruptors selected from the group consisting of (i) a physical structure adapted to be coupled to the surface and extending only partially into the boundary layer flow, and (ii) a plasma discharge element adapted to be mounted in the surface and flush therewith.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.