Abstract: A clawless synthetic jet actuator includes a cavity layer having an internal cavity for reception of a fluid volume and an orifice providing a fluid communication between the cavity and an external atmosphere; and an oscillatory membrane having a piezoelectric material adapted to deflect the oscillatory membrane in response to an electrical signal. The cavity has an opening in at least one planar surface of the cavity layer, and the cavity layer and the oscillatory membrane are joined by a high strength, low shear modulus adhesive material with the oscillatory membrane positioned adjacent to the planar surface having the cavity opening and adapted as an enclosing surface to said cavity opening. The oscillatory membrane is adapted to compress and expand a volume within the cavity, based on a deflection generated by the piezoelectric material, for generating a fluid flow between the cavity and the external atmosphere through the orifice.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a method of modifying an air flow at least one location of a building structure, comprising: generating a first air flow at the at least one location of the building structure; and modifying a second air flow exterior to the building structure using the generated first air flow. An apparatus configured to modified an air flow is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a fluid flow field near a surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes an array of oscillating bodies disposed on the surface to provide physical modification to the flow field. Fluid jets are also emitted from an outlet in the oscillating body to provide virtual modification of the flow field through momentum addition. Fluid jet sources, including synthetic jet generators such as piezoelectric drivers and sources of compressed fluids such as air or water, are positioned to be in fluid communication with the outlet at intervals during the oscillation of the oscillating body. Controlling the oscillation amplitude and frequency of the body, as well as the location of oscillating body outlets and frequency of fluid jet emission, have advantageous effects for the surface such as improved heat transfer properties and reduction in structural vibration and noise.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and kits for reducing structural vibrations on wind turbine blades are provided. The actual dynamic structural conditions of a wind turbine blade can be used as a feedback mechanism. A flow control device and a sensor can be installed on a wind turbine blade, and a closed loop control system in operable communication with the flow control device and the sensor can be used to provide closed loop control.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a fluid flow field near a surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes an array of oscillating bodies disposed on the surface to provide physical modification to the flow field. Fluid jets are also emitted from an outlet in the oscillating body to provide virtual modification of the flow field through momentum addition. Fluid jet sources, including synthetic jet generators such as piezoelectric drivers and sources of compressed fluids such as air or water, are positioned to be in fluid communication with the outlet at intervals during the oscillation of the oscillating body. Controlling the oscillation amplitude and frequency of the body, as well as the location of oscillating body outlets and frequency of fluid jet emission, have advantageous effects for the surface such as improved heat transfer properties and reduction in structural vibration and noise.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a fluid flow field near a surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes an array of oscillating bodies disposed on the surface to provide physical modification to the flow field. Fluid jets are also emitted from an outlet in the oscillating body to provide virtual modification of the flow field through momentum addition. Fluid jet sources, including synthetic jet generators such as piezoelectric drivers and sources of compressed fluids such as air or water, are positioned to be in fluid communication with the outlet at intervals during the oscillation of the oscillating body. Controlling the oscillation amplitude and frequency of the body, as well as the location of oscillating body outlets and frequency of fluid jet emission, have advantageous effects for the surface such as improved heat transfer properties and reduction in structural vibration and noise.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a fluid flow field near a surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes an array of oscillating bodies disposed on the surface to provide physical modification to the flow field. Fluid jets are also emitted from an outlet in the oscillating body to provide virtual modification of the flow field through momentum addition. Fluid jet sources, including synthetic jet generators such as piezoelectric drivers and sources of compressed fluids such as air or water, are positioned to be in fluid communication with the outlet at intervals during the oscillation of the oscillating body. Controlling the oscillation amplitude and frequency of the body, as well as the location of oscillating body outlets and frequency of fluid jet emission, have advantageous effects for the surface such as improved heat transfer properties and reduction in structural vibration and noise.

Abstract: Systems and methods for airflow control of a moving ground vehicle are provided. The system includes an actuator module and a sensor unit mounted on the vehicle, and a controller. The actuator module includes at least one synthetic jet actuator to generate a synthetic jet, to modify an airflow around the vehicle. The sensor unit includes at least one environment sensor to capture environmental sensor data proximate the vehicle. The controller receives the environmental sensor data from the sensor unit and determines at least one of a drive frequency and a drive amplitude for controlling the at least one synthetic jet actuator, based on the received environmental data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and kits for reducing structural vibrations on wind turbine blades are provided. The actual dynamic structural conditions of a wind turbine blade can be used as a feedback mechanism. A flow control device and a sensor can be installed on a wind turbine blade, and a closed loop control system in operable communication with the flow control device and the sensor can be used to provide closed loop control.

Abstract: Systems and methods for airflow control of a moving ground vehicle are provided. The system includes an actuator module and a sensor unit mounted on the vehicle, and a controller. The actuator module includes at least one synthetic jet actuator to generate a synthetic jet, to modify an airflow around the vehicle. The sensor unit includes at least one environment sensor to capture environmental sensor data proximate the vehicle. The controller receives the environmental sensor data from the sensor unit and determines at least one of a drive frequency and a drive amplitude for controlling the at least one synthetic jet actuator, based on the received environmental data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for airflow control of a moving ground vehicle are provided. The system includes an actuator module and a sensor unit mounted on the vehicle, and a controller. The actuator module includes at least one synthetic jet actuator to generate a synthetic jet, to modify an airflow around the vehicle. The sensor unit includes at least one environment sensor to capture environmental sensor data proximate the vehicle. The controller receives the environmental sensor data from the sensor unit and determines at least one of a drive frequency and a drive amplitude for controlling the at least one synthetic jet actuator, based on the received environmental data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an active roughness actuator and a method of forming an active roughness actuator. The active roughness actuator includes a surface having at least one aperture; a compliant layer disposed on the surface such that the compliant layer covers the at least one aperture; a chamber having a fluid therein and a piezoelectric surface mechanically coupled to the chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with the compliant layer via the at least one aperture. The piezoelectric surface is configured to displace the fluid in the chamber to control production of at least one dimple in the compliant layer proximate to the at least one aperture.

Abstract: Systems and methods for airflow control of a moving ground vehicle are provided. The system includes an actuator module and a sensor unit mounted on the vehicle, and a controller. The actuator module includes at least one synthetic jet actuator to generate a synthetic jet, to modify an airflow around the vehicle. The sensor unit includes at least one environment sensor to capture environmental sensor data proximate the vehicle. The controller receives the environmental sensor data from the sensor unit and determines at least one of a drive frequency and a drive amplitude for controlling the at least one synthetic jet actuator, based on the received environmental data.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a method of modifying an air flow at least one location of a building structure, comprising: generating a first air flow at the at least one location of the building structure; and modifying a second air flow exterior to the building structure using the generated first air flow. An apparatus configured to modified an air flow is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an active roughness actuator and a method of forming an active roughness actuator. The active roughness actuator includes a surface having at least one aperture; a compliant layer disposed on the surface such that the compliant layer covers the at least one aperture; a chamber having a fluid therein and a piezoelectric surface mechanically coupled to the chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with the compliant layer via the at least one aperture. The piezoelectric surface is configured to displace the fluid in the chamber to control production of at least one dimple in the compliant layer proximate to the at least one aperture.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system for altering the aerodynamic shape and/or fluid flow about a solid body. The preferred embodiment comprises an obstruction disposed on the solid body and extending outwardly from the solid body into the fluid flowing over the solid body and a synthetic jet actuator embedded in the solid body such that said fluid flowing over the solid body encounters the obstruction before the synthetic jet actuator. The synthetic jet actuator includes a jet housing defined by walls, the jet housing having an internal chamber with a volume of fluid and an opening in the jet housing connecting the chamber to an external environment having the fluid, and a volume changing means for periodically changing the volume within the internal chamber so that a series of fluid vortices are generated and projected in the external environment out from the opening of the jet housing.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system for altering the aerodynamic shape and/or fluid flow about a solid body. The preferred embodiment comprises an obstruction disposed on the solid body and extending outwardly from the solid body into the fluid flowing over the solid body and a synthetic jet actuator embedded in the solid body such that said fluid flowing over the solid body encounters the obstruction before the synthetic jet actuator. The synthetic jet actuator includes a jet housing defined by walls, the jet housing having an internal chamber with a volume of fluid and an opening in the jet housing connecting the chamber to an external environment having the fluid, and a volume changing means for periodically changing the volume within the internal chamber so that a series of fluid vortices are generated and projected in the external environment out from the opening of the jet housing.

Abstract: One aspect of the apparatus disclosed herein is a system for modifying an aerodynamic property of an aerodynamic surface in a fluid flow. The fluid flow could comprise a free stream fluid flow, or an internal fluid flow, such as in a nozzle, diffuser, or compressor. The system of the preferred embodiment comprises a synthetic jet actuator embedded in an aerodynamic surface. In one aspect, the aerodynamic surface may be a wing. The synthetic jet actuator typically has a jet housing defining a chamber, where the chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid. This fluid communication may be accomplished via an orifice in a wall of the housing. Additionally, a portion of said housing is preferably moveable such that the volume of the chamber can be adjusted. The system also comprises a device for changing the position of the moveable portion of the housing at a predefined frequency. In this way, the synthetic jet actuator is pulse modulated in order to enhance the synthetic jet actuator's performance.