Abstract: Air vehicles and associated aerodynamic structures are provided which include ridged solar panels to both reduce the drag and increase the solar energy harvested by the solar panel. The air vehicle may include an airframe and a solar panel carried by the airframe and defining an exterior surface thereof. The solar panel may include a plurality of ridged structures extending in a lengthwise direction. The ridged structures may be arranged such that a majority of the airflow over the exterior surface flows in the lengthwise direction. The plurality of ridged structures may include a plurality of lengthwise extending projections spaced about by respective valleys.

Abstract: A bridging seal comprising a stack of two or more layers of elastomer, the bridging seal having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, adjacent layers being attached to each other at the first and second edges, wherein adjacent layers of the bridging seal have opposing surfaces and a substantial portion of the opposing surfaces is unbonded. The bridging seal may be used to seal a gap between two aerodynamic surfaces on an aircraft.

Abstract: A film composite having generally parallel riblets reduces drag on the flow of fluid over a surface and may either be directly applied onto a substrate or secondarily bonded as an appliqué. The film composite is formed on a substrate layer by layer by sequentially assembling layers of a binder and an inorganic filler.

Abstract: Fairing (9) which closes the internal end of an elevator (3) of an aircraft with respect to the fuselage section (1) on which the fairing (9) moves, with the elevator (3) arranged on a horizontal stabiliser (2) of the aircraft, such that the horizontal stabiliser (2) moves with a trim angle (?) with respect to the fuselage section (1) in turn rotating the elevator (3) with an elevator angle (?) with respect to the horizontal stabiliser (2), with the fairing (9) maintaining a distance (6) with respect to the fuselage section (1) during its movement in which the distance (6) is a minimised distance for all movement ranges of the elevator (3) for the trim angle (?) of the horizontal stabiliser (2) and the elevator angle (?) of the elevator (3), thereby reducing aerodynamic losses through parasitic resistance which is not caused by support of the aircraft. A method for obtaining the design of the fairing (9) is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates a method and apparatus for reducing the drag on aircraft, particularly aircraft with an upswept afterbody. The method includes the steps of positioning a plurality of drag reducing elements on the fuselage of the aircraft, wherein the drag reducing elements are positioned on the fuselage from a position at the breakline of the fuselage and extending toward the tail of the aircraft. In preferred embodiments, each of the plurality of drag reducing elements is positioned such that a first end of the drag reducing element is at an angle of between approximately 15 and 35° nose up relative to the flow of air about the fuselage at the location where the drag reducing element is positioned.

Abstract: A panel assembly for an aircraft comprises a panel rotatably connected to a support structure and moveable between a first position and a second position. The panel has an aerodynamic surface with a slot at one edge thereof which receives a portion of the support structure when the panel is in the first position. The assembly further comprises a resilient seal member which occupies the slot when the panel is in the second position. The panel may be an aircraft flight control surface, or an aircraft landing gear bay door.

Abstract: An airfoil for use on a high speed, jet powered airborne mobile platform and secured to an exterior surface of said mobile platform at a location so as to be disposed within a boundary layer during flight of the mobile platform. The airfoil produces a peak Mach number for airflow over a longitudinal centerline of said airfoil that is no greater than about Mach 1.2 when said mobile platform is moving at a speed of about Mach 0.85 with a relative constant Mach number flow over a region defined as at least an approximate 20% length of maximum thickness of said airfoil. The airfoil also has a pressure distribution (Cp) that is positive at a trailing edge thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for actively manipulating fluid flow over a surface using synthetic pulsators. Synthetic pulsators produce pulsed jet operable to manipulate the primary fluid flow proximate to the synthetic pulsator. The synthetic pulsator includes a synthetic jet actuator(s) located within an ambient pressure chamber, wherein the synthetic jet actuator is operable to produce an oscillatory flow. The oscillatory flow of the synthetic jet(s) produces the pulsed jet operable to manipulate the primary fluid flow. These synthetic pulsators may then be actively manipulated to control the flow behavior of the ducted fluid flow, influence the inception point and trajectory of flow field vortices within the fluid flow, and reduce flow separation within the primary fluid flow.

Abstract: A fairing suitable for enclosing a component mounted on an exterior surface of a mobile platform, and more particularly on an outer surface of a high speed mobile platform such as a jet aircraft or an aerospace vehicle. The fairing provides aggressive closure angles for optimum RF performance when used to house an antenna that is scanned to varying azimuth and elevation angles. The fairing further provides low aerodynamic drag, is scalable to enclose components having wide ranging dimensions, and provides attached flow with minimum separation of airflow thereover for airflows experienced by high speed jet aircraft, and reduces or eliminates RF reflections within the fairing from the RF beam of the antenna.

Abstract: A sealing (1) for a fairing (2) against transverse airflow between a wing (3) and a fuselage (4) of an aircraft. Inner and outer sides (7, 8) of the sealing (1) are provided with lips biased against the fairing (2) and the wing (3). At least two gaskets (5, 6) are positioned between respective ends of the sides (7, 8), thus sealing the fairing (2) and the wing (3) against longitudinal airflow.

Abstract: Laminar flow surfaces with selected roughness distributions, and associated methods are disclosed. A representative method for designing an airfoil includes selecting a parameter that includes a flow behavior distribution and/or a surface shape for an airflow surface. Based at least in part on the selected parameter, the method can include (a) selecting a target roughness value and determining a chordwise location forward of which surface roughness is at or below the target roughness value and/or (b) selecting a target chordwise location and determining a roughness value for a region forward of the chordwise location, with the surface roughness at or below the roughness value. In particular embodiments, a percentage of a local chord length of the airfoil over which the roughness is below a target value decreases in a spanwise direction. In another embodiment, the roughness at a particular spanwise location can increase over at least three values, continuously, in a step manner, or otherwise.

Abstract: An improved supersonic laminar flow wing structure, on a supersonic aircraft, having one or more of the following: a strake extending forwardly of the wing inboard extent, a raked wing tip, a reversed fillet at the strake or fuselage junction, an inboard leading edge flap extending over less than about 15% of the inboard wing panel span, and a hybrid plain-split flap having a lower surface portion deflectable downwardly relative to plain flap extent.

Abstract: An array of aerodynamic riblets is formed with a surface layer for adhering to an aerodynamic surface and a plurality of riblet tips having a parabolic cross section extending from the surface layer.

Abstract: A VG (vortex generator) placed on a body surface (aircraft or similar), upstream of a flush air inlet, in order to generate vortexes that will sweep away the boundary layer in front of the inlet, inducing a downwash effect in the freestream airflow, such VG consisting of a wing (1) parallel to the surface of the aircraft or similar, said wing supported by a support (2) or a pair of supports (2) such as fins disposed in a divergent angle; the VG considerably improves the inlet ram recovery ratio and the mass flow ratio of the air inlet and it has an effect of reduction of the VG boundary layer thickness, thus reducing the distortion level of the flow entering the inlet as the inlet ingests more freestream air and the vortexes are not ingested by the inlet.

Abstract: An aircraft having aerodynamic surfaces coated with a clear coat may be more easily cleaned and be more resistant to solvent degradation to the aircraft's paint. Such a clear coat is one having been prepared using a resin formulation including an aliphatic methacrylate and a curing agent, wherein the clear coat passes the SKYDROL Test.

Abstract: A device for reducing the aerodynamic drag of a vehicle includes at least one masking element for at least one part of a nozzle of the vehicle's engine, the masking element having a resorbable material designed to be eliminated in the nozzle's flow once the engine is ignited. A space craft includes the nozzle attached to the fuselage of the space craft.

Abstract: A device for controlling a vortex trail generated by an oblong element of an aircraft bearing surface includes a control component arranged on a fixing element of the oblong element and on a bearing surface such that a base of the control component contacts the leading edge of the bearing surface. The control component has a triangular shape, on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis thereof, whose two adjacent sides form flanks interconnected by a rounded edge.

Abstract: A method for modifying the flow field about an aircraft instrumentation pod to improve the separation characteristics of stores released from adjacent pylons includes measuring the flow field about the aircraft instrumentation pod to obtain measured flowfield data, examining the flowfield data measured about the aircraft instrumentation pod to detect regions of supercritical flow, analyzing the measured flowfield data to determine one or more causes for detected regions of supercritical flow about the instrumentation pod, and modifying the geometry of the instrumentation pod to reduce the effects of the any supercritical flow fields. In one application of the inventive method, the trailing end of an instrumentation pod was modified from a tapered end to form an ogive which reduced shocks formed about the pod at transonic speeds that interfered with the trajectory of stores released from adjacent pylons.

Abstract: An afterbody device for a spacecraft fitted with at least one rocket engine at the rear of the craft includes at least one movable cover element designed to take a first position, masking and reducing the vehicle's rear drag, where it prolongs the vehicle's fuselage around at least one part of a rocket engine nozzle of the vehicle and extends beyond the rear of the vehicle's fuselage, and to take a second position fully deployed, increasing the vehicle's aerodynamic drag.

Abstract: A kit for modifying a strut of an aircraft with an aerodynamic cover includes a rigid sheath formed from a first portion and a second portion. Each of the first portion and the second portion have a curved shape. The rigid sheath includes an angled leading edge and an angled trailing edge. Convex surfaces connect the leading edge and the angled trailing edge. There is an attachment for attaching the rigid sheath to the strut, the attachment securing the sheath to the strut such that the strut is positioned at the camber of the rigid sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus may comprise a first skin panel having a first surface, a second skin panel having a second surface, a first flange located at an end of the first skin panel, a second flange located at an end of the second skin panel, and a strip having a third surface. The first skin panel may be located adjacent to the second skin panel such that the first flange and the second flange form a channel. The strip may be bonded in the channel. Fluid flow over the third surface of the strip, the first surface of the first skin panel, and the second surface of the second skin panel may have a desired state.

Abstract: Sealing system for the gap (2) between the fuselage (3) and the elevator (4) of the orientable horizontal stabiliser (5) of an aircraft, extended with an aerodynamic fairing (8) for sealing of the opening (24) between the fuselage (3) and said orientable horizontal stabiliser (5) which comprises a main body (1) and an aerodynamic fairing (8) which is extended from the main body (1) in continuity with the latter, and a plurality of first elastic sealing profiles (9) between the first surface (11) of the main body (1) including the aerodynamic fairing (8) and the outer surface of the fuselage (3) and making contact with them, and a plurality of second elastic sealing profiles (13) between the second surface (12) of the main body (1) and the first end of the elevator (15) and making contact with them, in such a way that the sealing takes place of the gap (2) and the opening (24) and an aerodynamic continuity is produced between the orientable horizontal stabiliser (5), the fuselage (3) and the elevator (4) when

Abstract: Laminar flow surfaces with selected roughness distributions, and associated methods are disclosed. A representative method for designing an airfoil includes selecting a parameter that includes a flow behavior distribution and/or a surface shape for an airflow surface. Based at least in part on the selected parameter, the method can include (a) selecting a target roughness value and determining a chordwise location forward of which surface roughness is at or below the target roughness value and/or (b) selecting a target chordwise location and determining a roughness value for a region forward of the chordwise location, with the surface roughness at or below the roughness value. In particular embodiments, a percentage of a local chord length of the airfoil over which the roughness is below a target value decreases in a spanwise direction. In another embodiment, the roughness at a particular spanwise location can increase over at least three values, continuously, in a step manner, or otherwise.

Abstract: A fairing has a moulded body and an electrical wire embedded therein. The body may be constructed from a moulded plastics material or a composite material.

Abstract: An array of aerodynamic riblets incorporates a high elongation elastomeric layer having spaced tips and optionally a protective cladding. The elastomeric layer may be adhered to an aerodynamic surface directly or as an appliqué in combination with one or more of an adhesive layer, one or more supporting polymer layers and a metal foil layer.

Abstract: Sealing system for the gap (2) between the fuselage (3) and the elevator (4) of the orientable horizontal stabiliser (5) of an aircraft, extended with an aerodynamic fairing (8) for sealing of the opening (24) between the fuselage (3) and said orientable horizontal stabiliser (5) which comprises a main body (1) and an aerodynamic fairing (8) which is extended from the main body (1) in continuity with the latter, and a plurality of first elastic sealing profiles (9) between the first surface (11) of the main body (1) including the aerodynamic fairing (8) and the outer surface of the fuselage (3) and making contact with them, and a plurality of second elastic sealing profiles (13) between the second surface (12) of the main body (1) and the first end of the elevator (15) and making contact with them, in such a way that the sealing takes place of the gap (2) and the opening (24) and an aerodynamic continuity is produced between the orientable horizontal stabiliser (5), the fuselage (3) and the elevator (4) when

Abstract: Aircraft aerodynamic surfaces coated with photocatalytic self-cleaning coating reduces the need for washing off insects and other organic contaminants. Disturbances in laminar flow profiles due to organic contaminants are reduced, thereby improving performance by reducing drag. The photocatalytic self-cleaning coating includes nano-particles of titanium oxide and may be applied using a sol-gel process.

Abstract: A de-rotation system includes a planetary gear set, and a fairing support structure mounted for rotation with a first ring gear.

Abstract: Drag management structure. The structure includes a tube having an entrance and exit along a longitudinal axis. At least one row of stationary swirl generating vanes is provided at the entrance, the swirl vanes disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis selected to produce a steady streamwise vortex in a fluid at the tube exit. A fan rotor may be disposed upstream of the stationary vanes.

Abstract: Reinforced cover for cut-outs in an aerodynamic contour of a vehicle, with a first attachment section 1a attachable to a structural element (2,5) of the vehicle (11); a second elastic section 1c which covers the cut-out (4) which is located between a fixed part 5 and a moving part (6, 12) of the vehicle (11), and provided with a low-friction layer (8) on its inner surface (1e), which comprises a first area (1i) in a rectangular configuration and a second area (1j) with a second cross-section smaller than that of the first area (1i); an outer surface (1k) with a fiberglass layer (7a); a main internal body (9) of a flexible material, a transition section (1g) thickened between the first and the second section, (1a, 1c); flushing the outer surface (1k) of the second section (1c) with the outer surface (5a).

Abstract: An apparatus for attenuating acoustic resonance generated by flow over a cavity in a surface comprises a plurality of flat flaps proximate to an upstream edge of the cavity. The flaps are disposed in an array spaced in a width direction of the cavity edge, and are oscillated by the flow in two degrees of freedom solely by the flow, independent of an actuation mechanism. Each flap includes a first hinge generally coextensive with the surface for enabling oscillation in a first degree of freedom and a second hinge orthogonal to the first hinge and forming a tab for enabling oscillation in a second degree of freedom. The hinges are constructed with torsional spring constants that provide predetermined oscillation frequencies and magnitudes. The apparatus can include a deployment mechanism for moving each flap between a stowed position wherein it is generally flush with the surface and a deployed position wherein the flap can be oscillated by the flow.

Abstract: Airfoil and hydrofoils systems with structures having a surface texture defined by fractal geometries are described. Raised portions or fractal bumps can be included on the surfaces, forming a surface texture. The surface textures can be defined by two-dimensional fractal shapes, partial two-dimensional fractal shapes, non-contiguous fractal shapes, three-dimensional fractal objects, and partial three-dimensional fractal objects. The surfaces can include indents having fractal geometries. The indents can have varying depths and can be bordered by other indents, or bumps, or smooth portions of the airfoil or hydrofoil structure. The fractal surface textures can reduce vortices inherent from airfoil and hydrofoil structures. The roughness and distribution of the fractal surface textures reduce the vortices, improving laminar flow characteristics and at the same time reducing drag. The systems are passive and do not require applied power.

Abstract: A vehicle including a body having an exterior surface and a protrusion extending outward from the surface. The vehicle further includes a fairing mounted on the surface directly adjacent and behind the protrusion. The fairing has a forward end, an aft end opposite the forward end, and opposing sides extending between the forward end and the aft end. The opposing sides become progressively closer together from the forward end to the aft end so that the bracket has a tapered shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flying object being moved with transonic or supersonic velocities. Known flying objects comprise so called “aerospikes” used for reducing the wave drag and improving the airflow at the front surface of the flying object. The positive effect of these aerospikes is decreased or cancelled in case of the flying object moving in the airflow with an inclination angle between the longitudinal axis of the flying object and the aerospike. The present invention suggests pivoting the aerospike by means of active or passive measures in order to align the aerospike with the upstream airflow during a flight phase of the flying object.

Abstract: The invention relates to aircraft engineering for improving aerodynamic quality of helicopters, aeroplanes, including traditionally designed airbuses and amphibian airplanes, aerodynamic ground-effect and air-cushion vehicles, possibly by redesigning said transportation means. Flying drag is reduced, possibly by redesigning aircraft, helicopters, ground-effect crafts and air-cushion vehicles. Result is achievable by reducing a contacting area between the external surface of fuselage tail section and a high-speed air flow. Contacting area is reduced by increased area of orifices in fuselage tail section. To increase lifting force without increasing pressure resistance, the aerodynamic channel bottom is designed convex upwards, for example curved upwards along the shape of convex side of airfoil section. The aerodynamic channel skin top orifice can be located under tail fin middle part and lengthwisely divided by said fin to the right and left, for example in two.

Abstract: A multilayer construction for an array of aerodynamic riblets incorporates a first layer composed of a material with protuberances, the first layer material having shape memory and a second layer composed of a material exhibiting a second characteristic with capability for adherence to a surface.

Abstract: A multilayer construction for aerodynamic riblets includes a first layer composed of a material with protuberances, the first layer material exhibiting a first characteristic having long-term durability and a second layer composed of a material, exhibiting a second characteristic with capability for adherence to a surface.

Abstract: An array of aerodynamic riblets is created by a plurality of high stiffness tips with a layer supporting the tips in predetermined spaced relation and adhering the tips to a vehicle surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lifting pipe which is used in a manganese nodule mining system including a collection device for collecting deep-sea manganese nodules and a lifting pump and which has a structure in which dimples are formed on the surface of the lifting pipe so as to reduce drag so that the lifting pipe is less influenced by flows of ocean current. The dimpled lifting pipe includes dimples that are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the dimpled lifting pipe, so that turbulent flows are generated, thereby reducing drag caused by ocean currents of a deep sea.

Abstract: Fairing for a pylon via which a turbine engine is suspended from a wing of an aircraft. According to the invention, the forward attachment (15) of the anterior part (14) of the fairing (7) for the suspension pylon (6) is radially flexible.

Abstract: A vehicle traveling through an environmental media such as air experiences drag. The drag is actively modulated by energy beams which may either increase or decrease the drag. The energy beams may provide either a chemical, acoustic or electromagnetic energy at a transition region between turbulent and laminar flows or at the leading edge of a laminar flow or in the direction of a crosswind in order to facilitate the respective increase or decrease in drag. Where the energy beams are acoustic or ultrasonic, some or all of the beams may be used to generate an audible signal, in a directional manner, outside the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising an adhesive layer and a conductive elastic material layer. The adhesive layer is capable of being placed in a channel for a joint. The adhesive layer is capable of resuming an original shape after being deformed. A conductive elastic material layer is on the adhesive layer. The coating covers the conductive elastic material layer and is capable of resuming the original shape after being deformed.

Abstract: An aerodynamic fairing for the lift strut of an aircraft is disclosed. The fairing has an airfoil shape on the outside specially chosen to minimize aerodynamic drag. It has a thin external skin and an internal structure of foam material to provide stiffness and to allow its secure attachment around the existing lift strut. Special fillets are provided at either end of the fairing to assure a smooth transition of the fairing to the adjacent fuselage and wing undersurface to further minimize aerodynamic drag. The fairing is split at its trailing edge, allowing installation and removal by a standard aircraft fastener integrated in the fairing's trailing edge.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for covering and uncovering a flap opening in an aircraft. The apparatus comprises a door member, a torque tube roller member, at least one roller member, and a biasing member. The door member may be adapted to cover and uncover a flap opening. The torque tube roller member may be attached with the door member, and may be adapted to be pushed by a torque tube member attached with a flap of an aircraft. The door member may be adapted to be driven from a closed position covering a flap opening into an open position uncovering a flap opening. The roller member may be attached with the door member and may be adapted to follow at least one track member. The biasing member may be attached with the door member for biasing the door member towards a closed position covering a flap opening.

Abstract: A flow surface (16), e.g. on a swept aircraft wing, has a three-dimensional boundary-layer flow. The surface is defined by a spanwise direction (z) and a chordwise direction (x). In or on the flow surface excitation locations (22) are arranged, exciting primary disturbances. The disclosure is characterized in that the excitation locations (22) are arranged such that benign steady primary disturbances are excited and maintained on a sufficiently-high amplitude level as longitudinal vortices respectively crossflow vortices, suppressing naturally growing nocent primary disturbances by a non-linear physical mechanism. The benign primary disturbances preserve a laminar flow, such that unsteady secondary disturbances, which may initiate turbulence and which, otherwise, are excited in streamwise direction by nocent primary vortices, are suppressed or at least stabilized.

Abstract: A micro-array surface that provides for drag reduction. In one aspect, an aerodynamic or hydrodynamic wall surface that is configured to modify a fluid boundary layer on the surface comprises at least one array of micro-cavities formed therein the surface. In one example, the interaction of the micro-cavities with the boundary layer of the fluid can delay transition of the fluid over an identical smooth surface without the micro-cavities.

Abstract: An actuator including a first and second conductor on a dielectric, wherein application of a voltage to the first conductor creates a plasma, thereby modifying a fluid flow in communication with the actuator. Related systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Hinges, in particular in doors of aircraft, have poor aerodynamics. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a covering device for a hinge of an aircraft is provided with a flexible covering, which for example is stretched, with a closed hinge, over the outer contour of the hinge. Advantageously, this makes possibly the covering of openings between first and second hinge parts, whereby an improved aerodynamic can be achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for alleviating rotary aircraft downloads are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rotary aircraft includes an airframe assembly having a fuselage, at least one rotor assembly operatively coupled to the airframe assembly and configured to provide a downwash over at least a portion of the airframe assembly during operation of the at least one rotor assembly, and at least one download alleviation strake operatively coupled to the fuselage, each download alleviation strake extending at least partially along a length of the fuselage and being configured to reduce a downwash download during operation of the at least one rotor assembly. In some embodiments, the airframe assembly includes at least one fuel tank, and the at least one download alleviation strake is coupled to the at least one fuel tank. The download alleviation strake may be pivotably coupled to the at least one fuel tank.

Abstract: An aircraft structure comprising: a spar; a primary cover attached to the spar and extending on a first side of the spar; and a secondary cover positioned on a second side of the spar and partially overlapping an internal surface of the primary cover. A bracket is attached to the spar, and a spacer is provided between the secondary cover and the bracket. The spacer is sized so that the primary and secondary covers together form a substantially continuous external aerodynamic surface. The structure provides an alternative to conventional butt-strap arrangements.