Abstract: A flow control device on a structure such that strain in the structure is at least partially transferred to the flow control device is disclosed having at least two states, or shapes, separated by an elastic instability region. The flow control device is arranged to rapidly transition, or snap through, from the first state to the second state when strain in the structure exceeds an activation threshold of the flow control device. A spoiler on an aerofoil has a rest position where it is substantially flush with the low pressure surface and an activated position where it protrudes from the low pressure surface and modifies the airflow over that surface. The spoiler bends to move from the rest position to the activated position when the strain in the aerofoil crosses a threshold. The deployed spoiler reduces the lift on the aerofoil, acting to reduce the lift induced strain of the aerofoil to which the spoiler is attached.

Abstract: A flow control device on a structure such that strain in the structure is at least partially transferred to the flow control device is disclosed having at least two states, or shapes, separated by an elastic instability region. The flow control device is arranged to rapidly transition, or snap through, from the first state to the second state when strain in the structure exceeds an activation threshold of the flow control device. A spoiler on an aerofoil may have a rest position where it is substantially flush with the low pressure surface and an activated position where it protrudes from the low pressure surface and modifies the airflow over that surface. The spoiler bends to move from the rest position to the activated position when the strain in the aerofoil crosses a threshold. The deployed spoiler reduces the lift on the aerofoil, acting to reduce the lift induced strain of the aerofoil to which the spoiler is attached.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the use of an easy-to-clean soft fiber-coated material on the underwater surface of structures to mimic mammal pelage and as such reducing residual drag, wherein said material comprises or consists of fibers having an average fiber length between 0.3 and 4 mm, and an average fiber thickness between 5 and 80 ?m. The underwater surface of structure is preferably the hull of a movable or moving vessel, or the underwater part of a static structure such as offshore wind monopiles and off-shore rigs. In some embodiments, the invention pertains to the reduction of fuel consumption of a nautical vessel passing through water.

Abstract: A system for controlling turbulence of fluid flowing past a window includes an imaging device compartment defining an interior and an exterior separated by a window, wherein the window encloses at least a portion of the interior, wherein the exterior includes at least one turbulator on a side upstream of the window positioned to induce turbulence over the entirety of a boundary layer of the fluid flowing past the window for even heat transfer between the fluid and the window.

Abstract: Part comprising a wall which comprises a first zone (541), a first zone (541) and the second zone (542), a network of riblets being formed on the first zone (541), the second zone (542) and also on the transition zone (54t) so as to reduce the drag of the part when a flow of air flows along said wall; the height, the width and the spacing of the riblets formed on the transition zone (54t) changing along said transition zone (54t) so as to pass from the height, width and spacing of the riblets formed on the first zone at a first end of the transition zone to the height, width and spacing of the riblets formed on the second zone (542) at a second end of the transition zone (54t), the transition zone (54t) comprising a central portion on which the riblets comprise on one hand the height and the width that are respectively equal to the height and width of the riblets on the first zone (541), and on the other hand a spacing equal to the spacing of the riblets of the second zone (542).

Abstract: Integrated slat chine apparatus and methods are described. An example method comprises moving a slat relative to an airfoil between a stowed position and a deployed position. The slat is coupled to the airfoil. The slat is located adjacent a lateral surface of a chine. The chine is coupled to the airfoil. The slat is to expose the lateral surface of the chine when the slat is in the deployed position and to cover the lateral surface of the chine when the slat is in the stowed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an aircraft. The aircraft has a primary structural element, which extends along a main axis of the aircraft, and at least one monolithic structural component, which is produced by a three-dimensional printing method. The aircraft also has an aircraft system for carrying out an aircraft-specific function. The at least one monolithic structural component is fixed on the primary structural element by a fixing device, system, means, or mechanism. The monolithic structural component is embodied to accommodate the aircraft system. The disclosure also relates to a method for producing an aircraft.

Abstract: A composite fan casing for a turbine engine includes a core including a plurality of core layers of reinforcing fiber bonded together with a resin. The core includes a first surface and an opposing second surface. The fan casing also includes a shock dispersion panel coupled to the first surface, wherein the shock dispersion panel is configured to disperse a shock wave caused by an impact on the second surface to prevent separation of the plurality of core layers.

Abstract: A lifting surface of an aircraft, comprising a leading edge and a notch located in the leading edge. The notch comprises two walls adapted to be parallel to the direction of the incident flow to the lifting surface and a third wall adapted to face the incident flow to the lifting surface when it is in flight. The lifting surface also comprises a retractable cover element, the notch and the retractable cover element being configured such that when the retractable cover element does not cover the notch, the notch is exposed to the incident flow generating a vortex which increases the lift force of the lifting surface, delaying stall.

Abstract: An air directing apparatus for a motor vehicle includes a basic body configured to direct an air flow occurring during operation of the motor vehicle as intended. The basic body has a height that changes continuously in a transverse direction of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Integrated slat chine apparatus and methods are described. An example apparatus includes a chine and a slat. The chine is coupled to an airfoil. The chine includes a lateral surface. The slat is located adjacent the lateral surface of the chine and coupled to the airfoil. The slat is movable relative to the airfoil between a stowed position and a deployed position. The slat is to expose the lateral surface of the chine when the slat is in the deployed position and to cover the lateral surface of the chine when the slat is in the stowed position.

Abstract: This patent provides for a method and apparatus for mitigating the formation of concentrated wake vortex structures generated from lifting or thrust-generating bodies and maneuvering control surfaces wherein the use of contour surface geometries promotes vortex-mixing of high and low flow fluids. The method and apparatus can be combined with various drag reduction techniques, such as the use of riblets of various types and/or compliant surfaces (passive and active). Such combinations form unique structures for various fluid dynamic control applications to suppress transiently growing forms of boundary layer disturbances in a manner that significantly improves performance and has improved control dynamics.

Abstract: An aircraft wing has an upper surface element and a first actuator powered mechanism for varying the shape of the surface element which includes: an upstream segment SEG1, a downstream segment SEG2, an interconnecting segment SEG3 interconnecting a downstream edge of SEG1 with an upstream edge of SEG2, wherein the interconnecting segment SEG3 extends along the whole or at least a major part of the downstream edge of SEG1 and the whole or at least a major part of the upstream edge of SEG2, and a link element LNK interconnecting an upstream edge of SEG1 with an upper surface of the aircraft wing, and the first mechanism interconnecting a contact C1 on a lower side of the upper surface element with a contact C2 on an inner structure of the airfoil. The first mechanism controls the shape of the upper surface element by controlling the distance between C1 and C2.

Abstract: There is disclosed an aircraft wing rib comprising a structural rib section to which a wing skin can be attached; and a suction conduit to which, in use, a negative pressure can be applied so as to cause air to be drawn through suction holes provided in the outer surface of the wing skin. There is also disclosed an aircraft wing including such a wing rib.

Abstract: Airfoil and hydrofoil systems include structures having a surface texture defined by fractal geometries. 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 fluid interface device, such as an airfoil assembly, can include a device structure and at least one moveable band oriented such that the band moves in a direction of fluid flow. The at least one moveable band can be supported on the device structure such that an outer surface of the moveable band is exposed along the device structure and is capable of movement relative thereto such that a relative velocity can be maintained between the outer surface and the device structure. The fluid interface device can have a cross section that includes first and second boundary layer collision points disposed along one side of the device structure with at least one of said first and second boundary layer collision points formed by the endless band. An airplane, a wind turbine and a method are also included.

Abstract: An airfoil tip vortex mitigation arrangement comprising one or more flow directors configured and positioned to re-direct freestream air over a low pressure surface of an airfoil in such a way as to displace and weaken a main tip vortex generated at a tip of the airfoil.

Abstract: A tracking wedge, a rotor and a method for modifying a movement of air over a tracking wedge. According to aspects of the disclosure, a tracking wedge used to correct the tracking of a helicopter rotor blade may include one or more acoustic management mechanisms. The acoustic management mechanisms may change the manner in which air moves over the surface of the tracking wedge. In some examples, changing the manner in which air moves over the surface of the tracking wedge may reduce noise generated by the use of the tracking wedge.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade is provided, having a root end, a tip end, a leading edge section, a trailing edge section and a serrated extension, wherein the serrated extension is attached to the trailing edge section and has at least a first tooth. Furthermore, the wind turbine rotor blade has at least one patterning element for guiding a wind flow which is flowing from the leading edge section to the trailing edge section such that noise which is generated at the trailing edge section is reduced. The patterning element has the shape of a ridge. Advantageously, the ridge-shaped patterning element is located upstream, compared to the first tooth, and/or is located on a surface of the first tooth. Furthermore, a method is provided to reduce noise which is generated at a trailing edge section of a wind turbine rotor blade.

Abstract: A riblet structure for a flow surface is provided. The riblet structure has a multitude of riblets that comprise a matrix material which includes reinforcement elements. The reinforcement elements can be designed as reinforcement fibers that extend in the longitudinal direction or as particles. In this manner the abrasion resistance can be improved and erosion can be retarded.

Abstract: An air ejection device comprises an aerodynamic profile provided with a slot and an ejection nozzle. The device comprises a flexible tongue fixed flush with the aerodynamic profile in such a way as to obstruct the slot, the tongue being able to lift under the effect of a pressure differential between the air situated in the ejection nozzle and the outside air. The tongue makes it possible for the slot made in the profile to be obstructed during phases of flight during which the ejection of the air is unnecessary, and prevents external air from entering the slot. The flow of air over the aerodynamic profile is unaffected, and there is no increase in drag. Because the tongue lifts as a result of a pressure differential, it does not require any control mechanism to lift it.

Abstract: An aircraft wing includes a leading element; a trailing element positioned behind the leading element relative to a direction of movement of the aircraft and an actuation system for moving one of the elements between a retracted position and an extended position in which there is an air gap between a lower surface of the leading element and a surface of the trailing element. Two or more elongate stiffening ridges extend downwards from the lower surface of the leading element, and each adjacent pair of ridges is separated by a channel. The leading element is shaped to provide an improved air gap, preferably one which is parallel or convergent in all positions. Typically the volume of at least one of the ridges is less than the 50% of the volume of a channel defined by that ridge.

Abstract: In a high-lift-device, a wing, and noise reduction device for a high-lift-device that are capable of reducing noise generated when a flap is extended, preventing deterioration of aerodynamics characteristic when retracting the flap, and preventing an increase in weight, a flap main body (5) disposed so as to be extendable/retractable relative to a main wing and a protruding portion (6A-1) that smoothly protrudes at least at the vicinity of one end portion of a positive-pressure surface (PS) of the flap main body (5) in a direction away from the flap main body (5) are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed wherein the movement of a droplet disposed on a nanostructured or microstructured surface is determined by at least one characteristic of the nanostructure feature pattern or at least one characteristic of the droplet. In one embodiment, the movement of the droplet is laterally determined by at least one characteristic of the nanostructure feature pattern such that the droplet moves in a desired direction along a nanostructured feature pattern. In another embodiment, the movement of the droplet is determined by either at least one characteristic of the nanostructure feature pattern or at least one characteristic of the droplet in a way such that the droplet penetrates the feature pattern at a desired area and becomes substantially immobile.

Abstract: A shock control fairing for mounting a junction between adjoining aircraft surfaces. The fairing has a cross-sectional profile which varies along the length of the fairing. The cross-sectional profile of the fairing has a maximum area at a location which, when mounted to an aircraft, is substantially proximal to a location on the surface of the aircraft at which a shock would be expected to develop without the fairing.

Abstract: A vehicle component includes a surface which, during operation, is exposed to an air flow. The surface includes a separating area where the air flow separates from the surface, and at least one obstructing element associated with the separating area for introducing an obstruction into the air flow. The obstructing element includes at least one guide surface which protrudes into the air flow. The guide surface is inclined relative to the local direction of the main air flow so that it confers on the part of the main air flow that impacts the guide surface a speed component that runs perpendicular to the local direction of the main air flow and induces turbulence in the air flow downstream of the obstructing element.

Abstract: An apparatus delays the transition of a boundary layer flow from laminar to turbulent. Flow disruptors are positioned to be in contact with a boundary layer flow moving in a flow direction over a surface. Each flow disruptor generates fluctuations in the boundary layer flow such that the frequency of the fluctuations is a damping region frequency defined by an amplification rate curve associated with the boundary layer flow.

Abstract: A wing may include a flexible leading edge skin segment having segment ends positioned adjacent to upper and lower leading edge wing skins to form a skin assembly. The upper leading edge wing skin may be positioned between the leading edge skin segment and an upper main wing skin. The lower leading edge wing skin may be positioned between the leading edge skin segment and a lower main wing skin. The wing may include a deployment device configured to flex the upper and lower leading edge wing skins thereby causing the leading edge skin segment to exhibit a rolling motion.

Abstract: An apparatus delays the transition of a boundary layer flow from laminar to turbulent. Flow disruptors are positioned to be in contact with a boundary layer flow moving in a flow direction over a surface. Each flow disruptor generates fluctuations in the boundary layer flow such that the frequency of the fluctuations is a damping region frequency defined by an amplification rate curve associated with the boundary layer flow.

Abstract: A system and method for producing surface deformations on a surface of a body. The system and method relate to changing the convective heat transfer coefficient for a surface. The system includes a first surface being a surface of a body exposed to a fluid flow and at least one actuator affecting deformation of the first surface. The system also includes a control system providing control commands to the at least one actuator, the control commands configured to change deformations on the first surface in order to change the convective heat transfer coefficient of the first surface. Further, the system includes a sensor providing environmental characteristic information to the control system.

Abstract: A panel structure includes a composite facesheet and a stiffening core having a plurality of core members in an intersecting web configuration provided on the composite facesheet.

Abstract: One or more acoustic liners comprising internal chambers or passageways that absorb energy from a noise source on the aircraft are disclosed. The acoustic liners may be positioned at the ends of flaps of an aircraft wing to provide broadband noise absorption and/or dampen the noise producing unsteady flow features, and to reduce the amount of noise generated due to unsteady flow at the inboard and/or outboard end edges of a flap.

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: 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 configuration and system for rendering an aircraft spin resistant is disclosed. Resistance of the aircraft to spinning is accomplished by constraining a stall cell to a wing region adjacent to the fuselage and distant from the wing tip. Wing features that facilitate this constraint include but are not limited to one or more cuffs, stall strips, vortex generators, wing twists, wing sweeps and horizontal stabilizers. Alone or in combination, aircraft configuration features embodied by the present invention render the aircraft spin resistant by constraining the stall cell, which allows control surfaces of the aircraft to remain operational to control the aircraft.

Abstract: Metal sheets and plates having friction-reducing textured surfaces and methods of manufacturing these metal sheets and plates are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, there is provided a transportation vessel that includes at least one metal product having at least one surface that is substantially grooved, wherein the substantially grooved surface forms a riblet topography, the riblet topography including a multiplicity of adjacent permanently rolled longitudinal riblets running along at least a part of the surface, and wherein the riblet topography is coated with at least one coating sufficiently designed and applied to preserve the riblet topography. In an embodiment, the multiplicity of adjacent permanently rolled longitudinal riblets results in a friction-reducing textured surface. In an embodiment, metal product is used in fabricating at least a portion of an aircraft. In an embodiment, metal product is used in fabricating at least a portion of a rotor blade.

Abstract: This invention uses a novel shape of airfoil to achieve an improved lift to drag ratio and to improve performance at higher angles of attack. The airfoil has a three dimensional wave pattern that modifies the shape of a traditional airfoil to coordinate the airflow through channels on both the top and bottom sides. The uniquely shaped airfoil of this invention could have many uses including a wind turbine blade. This invention not only provides for a more efficient device by improving the effective angle of attack and lift/drag ratio, but also provides for a quiet airflow thus greatly reducing nuisance noise over conventional devices.

Abstract: A wave form tile in the form of a natural wave is provided to replace traditionally smooth surfaces to aid in more efficient shedding of a fluid medium. The wave form tile is also applied to proportionally spherical fractal surfaces defined for the surface of a vehicle.

Abstract: A prediction of whether a point on a computer-generated surface is adjacent to laminar or turbulent flow is made using a transition prediction technique. A plurality of boundary-layer properties at the point are obtained from a steady-state solution of a fluid flow in a region adjacent to the point. A plurality of instability modes are obtained, each defined by one or more mode parameters. A vector of regressor weights is obtained for the known instability growth rates in a training dataset. For each instability mode in the plurality of instability modes, a covariance vector is determined, which is the covariance of a predicted local growth rate with the known instability growth rates. Each covariance vector is used with the vector of regressor weights to determine a predicted local growth rate at the point. Based on the predicted local growth rates, an n-factor envelope at the point is determined.

Abstract: There is described a method for generating a parameter for airfoil performance monitoring, the method comprising: receiving at least a first signal indicative of a first airflow parameter measured at one of an aft position and a side-facing position of a sensor mast mounted to an airfoil and at least a second signal indicative of a second airflow parameter measured at a fore position of the sensor mast; generating a turbulence intensity ratio for each one of the first airflow parameter and the second airflow parameter; and combining the turbulence intensity ratio of the first airflow parameter and the turbulence intensity ratio of the second airflow parameter to generate a combined turbulence intensity ratio for airfoil performance monitoring.

Abstract: A method for launching counter-measures from a launch opening of a dispenser mounted on an aeroplane. The counter-measures are launched in a direction obliquely forwards and downwards relative to the aeroplane. In order to facilitate launching of counter-measures, a low dynamic pressure is created permanently across the launch opening of the dispenser by a fixed element acting on the air stream. An arrangement for storing and launching counter-measures including an elongate body provided with at least one launch opening used for storing the counter-measures in compartments. The arrangement is designed to be mounted on an aeroplane with the longitudinal direction of the elongate body essentially coinciding with the flight direction of the aeroplane. The counter-measures are connected to a firing control unit for feeding firing signals to the counter-measures. The arrangement is designed to be mounted under the aeroplane.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for detecting lack of reaction of the crew of an aircraft to an alarm related to a path. The method includes monitoring the emitting condition of a plurality of alarms related to dangers in the path of the aircraft and monitoring a reaction of a crew during first and second time intervals determined based on how long the crew should take to response to the initial alarm in the first time interval and an auxiliary alarm in the second time interval. The method also includes implementing automatic avoidance operation for coping with the danger if the crew has not reacted to the alarms by the end of the second time interval.

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 system for announcing failure of a mechanically actuated arrangement employs a first coupler arrangement that couples an actuator to a structural element that is desired to be controlled, and a first force sensor is coupled to the first coupler arrangement. The first coupler arrangement and the first force sensor constitute a primary load path. Similarly, a second coupler arrangement is coupled to the actuator to the structural element and constitutes a secondary load path. Changes in the forces experienced by one or both of first and second force sensors are monitored by a controller/monitor system. A connector has a screw shaft in the primary load path and a preloaded tie rod in the secondary load path. Axial forces are generated by a drive motor, which can include a ball screw arrangement. Operating impulses generated by the ball screw arrangement are monitored during a predetermined interval of operation.

Abstract: Metal sheets and plates having friction-reducing textured surfaces and methods of manufacturing these metal sheets and plates are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, there is provided a transportation vessel that includes at least one metal product having at least one surface that is substantially grooved, wherein the substantially grooved surface forms a riblet topography, the riblet topography including a multiplicity of adjacent permanently rolled longitudinal riblets running along at least a part of the surface, and wherein the riblet topography is coated with at least one coating sufficiently designed and applied to preserve the riblet topography. In an embodiment, the multiplicity of adjacent permanently rolled longitudinal riblets results in a friction-reducing textured surface. In an embodiment, metal product is used in fabricating at least a portion of an aircraft. In an embodiment, metal product is used in fabricating at least a portion of a rotor blade.

Abstract: A tapered micro-plow, or a series of tapered micro-plows, are submerged in a boundary layer just upstream of a reflection point of an oblique shock. Each micro-plow develops a beneficial pair of vortices which redistribute high energy flow within the boundary layer such that flow separation is prevented or delayed. The beneficial vortex pairs rotate about an axis that is parallel to the flow of fluid, and together rotate such that they induce a velocity on one another which tends to hold them near the surface and delay vortex lift-off.

Abstract: A wing comprising at least one aerofoil section and having a leading edge, a trailing edge, an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein a region within the aerofoil section immediately adjacent the leading edge is ventilated so as to establish a sub-static pressure in that region during flight. Also, a method of operating the wing.

Abstract: Systems to provide distributed flow control actuation to manage the behavior of a global flow field, are provided. An example of a system can include an aerodynamic structure having an outer surface, and an array of a plurality of nano-scale effectors connected to the outer surface of the aerodynamic structure to be in fluid contact with a flowing fluid when operationally flowing, to induce controlled, globally distributed disturbances at a viscous wall sublayer of a turbulent boundary layer of the flowing fluid when operationally flowing and to manipulate fluid behavior of the flowing fluid to thereby substantially reduce pressure loss associated with incipient separation of the fluid flow from portions of the aerodynamic structure.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a layer (1) for reducing air resistance of a forward-moving object, which layer comprises a pattern of surfaces (2) rising in a first direction R, and—channels (3) running between the surfaces in a second direction at an angle to the first direction. A flow is brought about on a micro-scale in the channels which damps the occurrence of turbulence in the main flow over the surface, thereby reducing air resistance.