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Surface Stress Sensors for Closed Loop Low Reynolds Number Separation Control

Marks, Christopher R.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1309998636

Abstract Details

2011, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Wright State University, Engineering PhD.
Low Reynolds number boundary layer separation causes reduced aerodynamic performance in a variety of applications such as MAVs, UAVs, and turbomachinery. The inclusion of a boundary layer separation control system offers a way to improve efficiency in conditions that would otherwise result in poor performance. Many effective passive and active boundary layer control methods exist. Active methods offer the ability to turn on, off, or adjust parameters of the flow control system with either an open loop or closed loop control strategy using sensors. This research investigates the use of a unique sensor called Surface Stress Sensitive Film (S3F) in a closed loop, low Reynolds number separation control system. S3F is an elastic film that responds to flow pressure gradients and shear stress along its wetted surface, allowing optical measurement of wall pressure and skin friction. A new method for installing the S3F sensor to assure a smooth interface between the wall and wetted S3F surface was investigated using Particle Image Velocimetry techniques (PIV). A Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma actuator is used to control laminar boundary layer separation on an Eppler 387 airfoil over a range of low Reynolds numbers. Several different DBD plasma actuator electrode configurations were fabricated and characterized in an open loop configuration to verify separation control of the Eppler 387 boundary layer. The open loop study led to the choice of a spanwise array of steady linear vertical jets generated by DBD plasma as the control system flow effecter. Operation of the plasma actuator resulted in a 33% reduction in section drag coefficient and reattachment of an otherwise separated boundary layer. The dissertation culminates with an experimental demonstration of S3F technology integrated with a control system and flow effecter for closed loop, low Reynolds number separation control. A simple On/Off controller and Proportional Integral (PI) controller were used to close the control loop.
Mitch Wolff, PhD (Advisor)
Rolf Sondergaard, PhD (Committee Member)
James Menart, PhD (Committee Member)
Mark Reeder, PhD (Committee Member)
Joseph Shang, PhD (Committee Member)
186 p.
Aerospace Engineering; Engineering; Fluid Dynamics; Mechanical Engineering
low Reynolds number; fluid dynamics; surface stress sensitive film; flow control; separation control; S3F; plasma actuator; dielectric barrier discharge;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Marks, C. R. (2011). Surface Stress Sensors for Closed Loop Low Reynolds Number Separation Control [Doctoral dissertation, Wright State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1309998636

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Marks, Christopher. Surface Stress Sensors for Closed Loop Low Reynolds Number Separation Control. 2011. Wright State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1309998636.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Marks, Christopher. "Surface Stress Sensors for Closed Loop Low Reynolds Number Separation Control." Doctoral dissertation, Wright State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1309998636

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

wright1309998636
485
© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.