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A circulation control actuator for flapless flight control

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

M. V. Cook ,
A. Buonanno  and
S. D. Erbslöh
M. V. Cook
Affiliation:
Dynamics, Simulation and Control Group, School of Engineering, Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK
A. Buonanno
Affiliation:
Dynamics, Simulation and Control Group, School of Engineering, Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK
S. D. Erbslöh
Affiliation:
Dynamics, Simulation and Control Group, School of Engineering, Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK
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Abstract

Trailing edge blowing over a Coanda surface has been utilised as a circulation control mechanism for increasing the lift of an aircraft wing. Typically, high energy air is blown from a narrow spanwise slot over the rounded trailing edge of a wing and the air supply is modulated to effect a degree of lift control on the wing. This configuration produces an aerodynamic force in a uni-directional sense only. An alternative novel flow control actuator is described which utilises a simple variable geometry Coanda surface with upper and lower spanwise blowing slots to achieve fully proportional bi-directional control in the manner of a conventional flap. A prototype device has been wind-tunnel tested and is shown to have substantially linear response characteristics and to be as efficient as an equivalent flap surface. The performance of a flow control actuator suitable for small UAV applications is described.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 112 , Issue 1134 , August 2008 , pp. 483 - 489
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2008 

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