Micro-Actuated Delta Wings Induced Control of Boundary Layer Separation

Control of boundary layer separation has been investigated employing an array of micro-actuated delta winglets. The flow with the array is simulated computationally in an initially two-dimensional boundary layer, which is subjected to a Favorable Pressure Gradient (FPG) that accelerated the flow substantially, followed by an Adverse Pressure Gradient (APG) where the flow decelerated, the two successive distortions cause a flow separation in the boundary layer developing on the opposite wall of the wind tunnel. The simulations capture vortices formed by the impulsive motion of the delta wings. The vortices are part of recirculating zone in the wake of the actuators, which as they advect downstream, bring high momentum fluid into the near wall region of a separated flow. Preliminary results indicate micro-actuated delta wings array affect boundary layer separation favorably.