Abstract: A valve is provided for controlling a flow of a fluid between a first environment and a second environment. The valve includes a frame adapted to fit within a perimeter of an aperture in a divider separating the first environment from the second environment. The valve additionally includes a first gate movable within the frame to control a flow of the fluid through the aperture between the first environment and the second environment. The first gate includes a substantially aerodynamically clean surface substantially free from protrusions disrupting the flow of the fluid over the first gate surface. Additionally, the first gate includes a trailing edge having a baffle adapted to cover an aft edge of the frame when the first gate is positioned to have a small opening angle. The baffle includes a plurality of 3-D notches in a front side of the baffle.

Abstract: A valve is provided for controlling a flow of a fluid between a first environment and a second environment. The valve includes a frame adapted to fit within a perimeter of an aperture in a divider separating the first environment from the second environment. The valve additionally includes a first gate movable within the frame to control a flow of the fluid through the aperture between the first environment and the second environment. The first gate includes a substantially aerodynamically clean surface substantially free from protrusions disrupting the flow of the fluid over the first gate surface. Additionally, the first gate includes a trailing edge having a baffle adapted to cover an aft edge of the frame when the first gate is positioned to have a small opening angle. The baffle includes a plurality of 3-D notches in a front side of the baffle.

Abstract: A valve for controlling a flow of a fluid between a first environment to a second environment. The valve includes a frame adapted to fit within a perimeter of an aperture in a divider separating the first environment from the second environment. The valve additionally includes a first gate movable within the frame to control a flow of the fluid through the aperture between the first environment and the second environment. The first gate has a substantially aerodynamically clean surface that is substantially free from protrusions that may disrupt the flow of the fluid over the first gate surface. The aerodynamically clean surface reduces coherent vortex shedding of the fluid as the fluid flows across the surface of the first gate. To further reduce vortex shedding, the first gate includes a rounded leading edge. Additionally, the first gate includes a trailing edge adapted to reduce edge tones.

Abstract: The invention is a method for measuring the wavelength of cross-flow vortices of air flow having streamlines of flow traveling across a swept airfoil. The method comprises providing a plurality of hot-film sensors. Each hot-film sensor provides a signal which can be processed, and each hot-film sensor is spaced in a straight-line array such that the distance between successive hot-film sensors is less than the wavelength of the cross-flow vortices being measured. The method further comprises determining the direction of travel of the streamlines across the airfoil and positioning the straight-line array of hot film sensors perpendicular to the direction of travel of the streamlines, such that each sensor has a spanwise location.