Flow separation is a common fluid dynamics phenomenon that occurs within supersonic nozzles while operating at off-design pressures. Typically, off-design pressures result in a shock formation that leads to a non-uniformity of the exiting flow and creates flow separation and flow recirculation. So far, no effective solution has been presented to eliminate flow separation and increase the total performance of the nozzle. The purpose of this work is to investigate whether a Gurney flap may beneficially affect the exiting flow pattern. For a better understanding of the Gurney flap effect, this investigation used a supersonic nozzle geometry based on a previous study by Lechevalier [33]. Results from the tested cases showed a poor effect of the flap at high free-stream Mach number and lower pressure ratio. Simulations of different flap heights along with different parameters showed a slight increase of thrust.

This investigation, in consideration of the sudden separation increase involved in wing drop, was to determine if the incorporated 2-D airfoil exhibits abnormal shock sensitivity. A comparative airfoil study was used to determine if this particular transonic airfoil is prone to abrupt shock movement, resulting in increased regions of separation. / Master of Science

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The objective of this research is to present a theoretical study of the compressibility effects on the performance of an electric D/C motor driven synthetic jet actuator for flow separation control. Hot wire anemometer experiments were conducted to validate the jet exit velocities predicted by the theoretical model. The optimal jet exit velocity required to achieve maximum flow reattachment at reasonable blowing momentum coefficients is predicted. A dynamic electro-acoustic model of the D/C motor driven actuator is developed to accurately predict its performance and efficiency. This model should help formulate a feedback optimal control strategy for real-time flow control using an array of actuators. This model is validated by comparing with hot wire anemometer experiments conducted under similar conditions. The effects of geometric parameters like the slot width, slot geometry, and cavity volume on the performance of the actuator are also tested using this model.

The objective of this research is to present a theoretical study of the compressibility effects on the performance of an electric D/C motor driven synthetic jet actuator for flow separation control. Hot wire anemometer experiments were conducted to validate the jet exit velocities predicted by the theoretical model. The optimal jet exit velocity required to achieve maximum flow reattachment at reasonable blowing momentum coefficients is predicted. A dynamic electro-acoustic model of the D/C motor driven actuator is developed to accurately predict its performance and efficiency. This model should help formulate a feedback optimal control strategy for real-time flow control using an array of actuators. This model is validated by comparing with hot wire anemometer experiments conducted under similar conditions. The effects of geometric parameters like the slot width, slot geometry, and cavity volume on the performance of the actuator are also tested using this model.

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The steady flow aerodynamics of a cascade of compressor airfoils is computed using a two-dimensional thin layer Navier-Stokes flow solver. The Dhawan and Narasimha transition model and Mayle‟s transition length model were implemented in this flow solver so that transition from laminar to turbulent flow could be included in the computations. A method to speed up the convergence of the fully turbulent calculations has been introduced. In addition, the effect of turbulence production formulations and including streamline curvature correction in the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model on the transition calculations is studied. These transitional calculations are correlated with the low and high incidence angle experimental data from the NASA-GRC Transonic Flutter Cascade. Including the transitional flow showed a trendwise improvement in the correlation of the computational predictions with the pressure distribution experimental data at the high incidence angle condition where a large separation bubble existed in the leading edge region of the suction surface.

Recent interest in Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have revived research on the performance of airfoils at relatively low Reynolds numbers. A common problem with low Reynolds number flow is that separation is almost inevitable without the application of some means of flow control, but understanding the nature of the separated flow is critical to designing an optimal flow control system. The current research presents results from a joint effort coupling numerical simulation and wind tunnel testing to investigate this flow regime. The primary airfoil for these studies is a modified 4415 with an adaptive actuator mounted internally such that the camber of the airfoil may be changed in a static or oscillatory fashion. A series of simulations are performed in static mode for Reynolds numbers of 25,000 to 100,000 and over a range of angles of attack to predict the characteristics of the flow separation and the coefficients of lift, drag, and moment. Preliminary simulations were performed for dynamic mode and it demonstrates a definitive ability to control separation across the range of Re and AoA. The earlier experimental work showed that separation reduction is gradual until a critical oscillation frequency is reached, after which increases in frequency have little additional impact on the flow. Present numerical simulation results were compared with the previous experiments results which were performed on the airfoil in like flow conditions and these comparisons allow the accuracy of both systems to be determined.

An adjustable systemic-pulmonary artery (SPA) shunt is being developed that consists of apolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft with a screw plunger mechanism. This device would allowfull control of flow through SPA shunts used to augment pulmonary blood flow in neonates bornwith single ventricle physiology. The objective of this study is to evaluate the changes this mechanismhas on flow fields for a 4 mm and 5 mm adjustable SPA shunt. Two in vitro models wereexamined; an idealized model with an axisymmetric constriction and a model developed from 3-Dreconstruction of the actual shunt under asymmetric constriction. These models were used to measurethe instantaneous velocity and vorticity fields using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) underboth steady and pulsatile flow conditions. Recirculation regions and maximum values of velocity,vorticity, and shear stress are compared between the 4 mm and 5 mm models. The results indicatethat for the idealized model of both shunts, separation regions are much smaller, persistingfor approximately 0-1.75 diameters downstream of the constriction, while for the realistic modelsseparation regions of 2.5 diameters downstream were observed. Additional models of a 4 mm and5 mm shunt were tested under pulsatile conditions matching Re of 1061 and 849 and a Womersleynumber of 4.09 and 5.12, respectively, as seen in vivo. The maximum shear rates observed in bothshunts are within an allowable range without inducing platelet aggregation or hemolysis. However,regions of reverse flow exist distal to the throat, leading to possible concerns of plaque formation.Further in vivo testing will be needed to address this concern. This work is part of an extensiveeffort in developing a completely implantable adjustable systemic-pulmonary artery shunt.