Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the aerodynamics of an aircraft using an active flow control system is disclosed herein. In one example, the active flow control system includes an airframe and a plurality of fluidic oscillators. The airframe includes an inlet configured for flight speeds ranging from subsonic to hypersonic. The plurality of fluidic oscillators is mounted about a curvature of the airframe. Each fluidic oscillator includes a body and an integral nozzle coupled to the body. The body has an inflow portion and a narrow nozzle inlet formed opposite the inflow portion. The integral nozzle is coupled to the body by the narrow nozzle inlet. The narrow nozzle inlet forms a single fluid flow path from the inflow portion to the narrow nozzle inlet.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the aerodynamics of an aircraft using an active flow control system is disclosed herein. In one example, the active flow control system includes an airframe and a plurality of fluidic oscillators. The airframe includes an inlet configured for flight speeds ranging from subsonic to hypersonic. The plurality of fluidic oscillators is mounted about a curvature of the airframe. Each fluidic oscillator includes a body and an integral nozzle coupled to the body. The body has an inflow portion and a narrow nozzle inlet formed opposite the inflow portion. The integral nozzle is coupled to the body by the narrow nozzle inlet. The narrow nozzle inlet forms a single fluid flow path from the inflow portion to the narrow nozzle inlet.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluidic oscillator insert for use in a subterranean well can include forming the insert with a conical housing engagement surface thereon, and forming at least one fluidic oscillator on a substantially planar surface of the insert. A well tool can include a housing assembly, at least one insert received in the housing assembly, the insert having a fluidic oscillator formed on a first surface thereof, the insert being at least partially secured in the housing assembly by engagement of conical second and third surfaces formed on the insert and housing assembly, and a cover which closes off the first surface on the insert. An insert for use in a well tool can include a conical housing engagement surface, and at least one fluidic oscillator formed on a substantially planar surface. The fluidic oscillator produces oscillations in response to fluid flow through the fluidic oscillator.

Abstract: A method and mechanism of producing a suction and periodic excitation flow. The method includes providing fluid flow from jet port with diameter dl at a controlled input pressure (Pin), directing the flow to a conduit with diameter d2, >d1, allowing additional fluid to join the flow through suction slot(s) to create an amplified flow in the conduit, further directing the amplified flow in a first direction by applying a transverse pressure differential, further redirecting the amplified flow in another direction by modifying an angle by which the transverse pressure differential is applied and iteratively repeating the further directing and further redirecting so that the amplified flow oscillates between the directions. The suction and periodic excitation flows may be employed, for example, to effectively control boundary layer separation. A mechanism for automated performance of the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator is disclosed, wherein the fluidic oscillator includes a fluid source and a housing coupled to the fluid source. At least one recess is formed within the housing. An insert resides within each at least one recess; the insert provides at least one substantially flat surface. A fluid flowpath in the at least one substantially flat surface generates fluid pulses from fluid received from the fluid source.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system comprised of an inlet duct (1) and two outlet ducts (6 and 7) including deviating means for directing the inlet flow into one or the other outlet ducts (6 and 7) composed of a mobile wall (2) suitable for making the flow adhere to the walls of one duct or the other due to the Coanda effect. In a first position, the mobile wall (2) is incorporated into the side wall (3) of the inlet conduct (1) that extends into one of the two outlet ducts. From this position, the mobile wall (2) can be moved to a second position where its upstream end protrudes inside the duct to create a step-like irregularity (4) on the duct's internal surface.

Abstract: A fluid dispersal device has a fluid inlet port, a nozzle, a fluid jet passage and an outlet throat provided in a housing and arranged from the upstream side thereof in order. The sidewalls defining the fluid jet passage are composed of deflection walls, turn walls and branch walls arranged in order from the upstream side thereof. The deflection walls are parallel walls symmetric with respect to the center line of said nozzle, each of the turn walls continues from the downstream end of each of the deflection walls and is formed into a rectangular concave wall, the distance between the opposed rectangular concave walls is larger than that between the deflection walls. The branch walls continue from the downstream ends of the turn walls and project in opposite directions. The outlet throat is defined by the oppositely projecting branch walls. The fluid jet jetted from the nozzle is rightward of leftward deflected due to the interaction between the fluid jet and the deflection walls.

Abstract: A fluidic gain changer uses a fluid jet to mechanically deflect between two ets of fluidic receivers. A planar fluidic amplifier has its power jet, control jets and interaction regions bounded together to form a flexible tab than can be deflected in the third dimension. Two sets of receivers are located downstream and are offset so that the jet is evenly divided into the two sets of receivers when the tab is centered. Deflection of the tab increases the gain in one set of receivers while decreasing the gain in the other set of receivers.

Abstract: A fluid flow control element is constituted by a fluidic amplifier having an interaction region shaped to provide side walls leading to a pair of fluid flow outlets. The fluid flow inlet for the fluidic amplifier has positioned adjacent thereto at least one control fluid passageway, and the flow of fluid to the outlet passages is controlled by at least one pivoted valve or flap element pivoted between two positions for controlling flow fluid from the fluid inlet to a selected one of a pair of fluid flow passageways or outlets. In the preferred embodiment the fluid flow inlet and outlet and the interaction chamber are such that the fluid pressure in the chamber is always above any pressure in the load passageways and fluid from the fluid flow inlet flows out from the chamber through the control passage.

Abstract: A bistable fluidic amplifier having high gain is disclosed. Power fluid is upplied through an inlet port and lobe-shaped feedback cavities downstream provide an oscillating differential pressure or flow between a pair of outlets. A pair of opposed control ports are provided between the inlet port and the feedback cavities and a differential control pressure or flow applied to the control ports creates a differential outlet pressure or flow having a gain in the range of 10-15.