By Characteristic Of Airfoil's Skin Patents (Class 244/200)
  • Patent number: 8323775
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Kick Off Ltd.
    Inventor: Jacobus Lambertus van Merkstoijn
  • Patent number: 8315847
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Eric Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8302912
    Abstract: A shock bump (10) comprising a diverging nose (20) and a converging tail. The tail has at least one plan-form contour line with a pair of concave opposite sides (22, 23). The shock bump provides an improved shape with relatively low drag. Furthermore, the concave shape of the tail tends to promote the development of longitudinal vortices which can reduce shock induced buffet at certain operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventor: Norman Wood
  • Patent number: 8302904
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing dynamic control to a surface immersed in a dynamic fluid. The systems and methods of the invention relate to one or more morphable surfaces that can be control in an active manner to provide asperities that interact with a fluid moving across the morphable surfaces. By controlling the size, shape and location of the asperities, one can exert control authority over the motion of the surface relative to the fluid. Examples of materials that provide suitable morphable surfaces include ionic polymer metal composites and shape memory polymers, both of which types of material are commercially available. Useful morphable surface systems have been examined and are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Beverley J. McKeon, Christopher Yu
  • Patent number: 8286909
    Abstract: Systems, method, devices and apparatus are provided for reducing drag and increasing the flight efficiency characteristics of aircraft and airships including hybrid aircraft utilizing distributed boundary layer control and propulsion devices. Boundary layer control includes passive systems such as riblet films and boundary layer propulsion devices having a divided and distributed propulsion system disposed in the curved aft sections of aircraft and airships including hybrid aircraft susceptible to boundary layer drag due to degree of curvatures, speed and density of the surrounding air. Distributed propulsion devices include constructing propellers and riblets from shape memory alloys, piezoelectric materials and electroactive polymer (EAP) materials to change the shape and length of the distributed propulsion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: StratoComm Corporation
    Inventor: Yee-Chun Lee
  • Patent number: 8256719
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an airfoil, a flexible skin, and a shape control system. The flexible skin forms a control surface of the airfoil. The shape control system is capable of changing a shape of the control surface formed by the flexible skin between a plurality of shapes, wherein a gap does not occur during a changing of the shape of the control surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Wood, James P. Dunne
  • Patent number: 8251317
    Abstract: A variable porosity system for an aircraft includes a first layer, a second layer and an actuator mechanism. Each of the first and second layers has at least one pore and are slidable relative to one another. The actuator mechanism is operative to move the first and second layers relative to one another such that the pores are movable into and out of at least partial alignment with one another to allow for fluid communication therebetween. At least one of the first and second layers is substantially continuous with an outer mold line surface of an aerodynamic member such as an aircraft wing. The actuator mechanism is configured to modulate the frequency of the opening and closing of the pores with respect to flight conditions of an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Dale M. Pitt
  • Patent number: 8240616
    Abstract: Systems and methods 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 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel N. Miller, Brent N. McCallum, Stewart A. Jenkins, David M. Wells
  • Patent number: 8240609
    Abstract: A metamaterial has a magnetic permeability response at frequencies sufficient to generate a repulsive force between a fluid and a surface to which the metamaterial may be applied. The metamaterial may be nanofabricated such that an absolute value of the magnetic permeability of the metamaterial is substantially greater than an absolute value of an electric permittivity of the metamaterial. The metamaterial may generate a repulsive force between the surface and the fluid moving relative to the surface and thereby reduce viscous drag of the fluid on the surface. A method of reducing the viscous drag of the fluid moving past the surface includes producing relative motion between the surface and the fluid and generating the repulsive force between the surface and the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Claudio G. Parazzoli, Minas H. Tanielian, Robert B. Greegor
  • Patent number: 8210482
    Abstract: A prismatic vortex generator for attenuating flow separation which occurs during supersonic flow of air over structure such as an aircraft airfoil, its fuselage, surfaces forming a part of a jet engine inlet, or similar surfaces subjected to supersonic airflow. A series of prismatic vortex generators are provided, each of which is configured to generate a vortex which attenuates flow separation and weight drag resulting from the supersonic airflow. Each prismatic vortex generator has a prismatic shape with a base, leading and trailing ends, and sidewalls that incline toward and join each other to form an apex. The leading end of each prismatic vortex generators is inclined away from the direction of flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel N. Miller, Dan J. Baruzzini
  • Patent number: 8191826
    Abstract: A device such as an aerofoil which in use is subject to fluid flow, includes an outer surface part the geometry of which is variable to affect the fluid flow, the device including a support structure which supports the outer surface part, the support structure being internal of the device and including a plurality of support members of composite material the geometry of the support structure being changeable by an actuating apparatus, between a first stable geometry and a second stable geometry to effect variation in the geometry of the outer surface part, the support members providing structure stiffness to the outer surface part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Westland Helicopters Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Daynes, Paul Weaver, Kevin Potter
  • Patent number: 8187894
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed wherein the flow resistance of a droplet disposed on a nanostructured or microstructured surface is controlled. A closed-cell feature is used in a way such that, when the pressure of at least a first fluid within one or more of the cells of said surface is decreased to or below a desired level, a droplet disposed on that surface is caused to at least partially penetrate the surface. In another illustrative embodiment, the pressure within one or more of the cells is increased to or above a desired level in a way such that the droplet of liquid is returned at least partially to its original, unpenetrated position. In yet another embodiment, a closed-cell structure feature pattern is used to prevent penetration of the nanostructured or microstructured surface, even when the pressure of the fluid disposed on the surface is relatively high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Marc Scott Hodes, Paul Robert Kolodner, Timofei Nikita Kroupenkine, Alan Michael Lyons, Mary Louise Mandich, Joseph Ashley Taylor
  • Patent number: 8177170
    Abstract: An aircraft including: a fuselage and two wings to which engine nacelles are attached and that are each connected laterally to the fuselage, one on each side thereof, by a central fairing. The central fairing includes, facing each wing, two opposed surfaces connected one to a suction face side and the other to a pressure face side of the wing and that extend longitudinally along the fuselage. At least one of the two surfaces includes at least one local geometric deformation configured to generate lateral aerodynamic disturbances on the central fairing toward the wing to control the flow of air over the wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Thierry Fol, Philippe Jimenez, Arnaud Namer
  • Patent number: 8172185
    Abstract: In order to establish laminar flow on the attachment line (18) of an aerofoil body, a duct entrance (27) is provided on the leading edge of the aerofoil body for receiving spanwise boundary layer flow BLt. The exit (23) of the duct is located spanwise downstream of the duct entrance (27). The boundary layer flow BLt enters the duct (23) and is discharged downstream. The height of the duct entrance (27) above the leading edge of the aerofoil body is greater than the depth of the boundary layer BLt and thus a fresh laminar boundary layer is established on the outer surface (20) of the duct which propagates spanwise along the surface to rejoin the leading edge of the aerofoil body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Gaster Consultants Ltd
    Inventor: Micheal Gaster
  • Patent number: 8162260
    Abstract: A monomolecular carbon-based film can be placed on an aircraft part, such as the leading edge designed to directly impinge against air during flight, ascent or descent, in order to form a smooth surface having increased lubricity and reduced air friction. The aircraft part may be in the form of a helicopter rotor, wing, propeller, fin, aileron, nose cone, and the like. The monomolecular carbon-based film can be deposited on the aircraft part, for example, using a reactor that includes a bed of silica and through which emissions from a diesel engine are passed. The monomolecular carbon-based film decreases air friction and increased lift of a modified aircraft that includes an aircraft part treated with the film. It also provides a structured shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas C. Maganas
  • Publication number: 20120049008
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Neal D. Domel, Dan J. Baruzzini, Daniel N. Miller
  • Patent number: 8124423
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed wherein the flow resistance of a droplet disposed on a nanostructured or microstructured surface is controlled. A closed-cell feature is used in a way such that, when the pressure of at least a first fluid within one or more of the cells of said surface is decreased to or below a desired level, a droplet disposed on that surface is caused to at least partially penetrate the surface. In another illustrative embodiment, the pressure within one or more of the cells is increased to or above a desired level in a way such that the droplet of liquid is returned at least partially to its original, unpenetrated position. In yet another embodiment, a closed-cell structure feature pattern is used to prevent penetration of the nanostructured or microstructured surface, even when the pressure of the fluid disposed on the surface is relatively high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Marc Scott Hodes, Paul Robert Kolodner, Timofei Nikita Kroupenkine, Alan Michael Lyons, Mary Louise Mandich, Joseph Ashley Taylor
  • Patent number: 8113469
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a micro-array surface that provides for either drag reduction or enhancement. 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 roughness elements disposed on and extending therefrom the surface. In one example, the interaction of the roughness elements with a turbulent boundary layer of the fluid reduces the skin friction drag coefficient of the surface over an identical smooth surface without the roughness elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: University of Alabama
    Inventor: Amy Warncke Lang
  • Patent number: 8016247
    Abstract: A plasma actuator system and method especially well adapted for use on airborne mobile platforms, such as aircraft, for directional and/or attitude control. The system includes at least one plasma actuator having first and second electrodes mounted on a surface of an aircraft. The first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to a boundary layer flow path over the surface. A third electrode is mounted between the first and second electrodes and laterally offset from the first and second electrodes. A high AC voltage signal is applied across the first and third electrodes, which induces a fluid flow between the energized electrodes that helps to delay separation of the boundary layer. Applying the AC voltage across the second and third electrodes causes an induced fluid flow that creates the opposite effect of influencing the boundary layer flow to separate from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Scott L. Schwimley, Joseph S. Silkey
  • Patent number: 8014906
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide trim for a vehicle, such as an aircraft. For example, a method for providing trim may include generally simultaneously determining values for a plurality of trim variables in a plurality of degrees of freedom. In this manner, the iterative aspect of contemporary methods for providing trim is substantially mitigated and a more efficient, robust system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jia Luo
  • Patent number: 7967252
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Stanley D. Ferguson, William W. Herling, David A. Treiber
  • Patent number: 7967253
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Stanley D. Ferguson, William W. Herling, David A. Treiber
  • Patent number: 7954767
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Crouch, Lian L. Ng, Mary I. Sutanto
  • Publication number: 20110114794
    Abstract: A viscous drag-reducing surface is provided that achieves harmony between an object and the environment (liquid or gas) through which the object moves. Rather than opposing the effects of friction, the surface according to the present invention eliminates friction by bonding the environment to the object. The pressure generated on the object by the environment as the object moves through the environment effectively compresses the local environment onto the surface. Once compressed against the surface, the local environment in contact with the surface becomes static relative to the surface whereas the environment that is not in contact with the surface achieves a laminar flow. Friction is thereby significantly reduced, since friction between like substances (i.e. the in-contact environment and the environment that is not in contact with the surface) is minimal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Calvin B. BOZE
  • Publication number: 20110084174
    Abstract: Morphing an aerodynamic body's geometry in situ can optimize its aerodynamic properties, increasing range, reducing fuel consumption, and improving many performance parameters. The aerodynamic load exerted on the body by the flow is one such parameter, typically characterized as lift or drag. It is the aim of the present disclosure to teach the use of passive adaptive morphing structures to manage these aerodynamic loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: CORNERSTONE RESEARCH GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Douglas Hemmelgarn, Bryan Michael Pelley, Kristin Marie Cable, Brandon Charles Kirby
  • Patent number: 7900871
    Abstract: An arrangement of devices as well as a method for improving the aerodynamics of an aircraft wing are disclosed. In embodiments, a plurality of vortex generators are attached in span-wise alignment on an deice boot along the wing's leading edge. The vortex generators are, in embodiments, constructed of a flexible material such that they are able to be expanded along with the boot during inflation and deflation thus mechanically involving the aerodynamic devices in the ice-shedding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Rincker, Kenton A. Cleveland, James L. Hammer
  • Publication number: 20110042523
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Crouch, Lian L. Ng, Mary I. Sutanto
  • Publication number: 20100314500
    Abstract: A shock bump (10) comprising a diverging nose (20) and a converging tail. The tail has at least one plan-form contour line with a pair of concave opposite sides (22, 23). The shock bump provides an improved shape with relatively low drag. Furthermore, the concave shape of the tail tends to promote the development of longitudinal vortices which can reduce shock induced buffet at certain operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Norman Wood
  • Patent number: 7850126
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Crouch, Lian L. Ng, Mary I. Sutanto
  • Publication number: 20100308176
    Abstract: An aerodynamic structure comprising a series of shock bumps (3) extending from its surface. The shock bumps are distributed across the structure with a non-uniform spacing (d1, d2) between the centres and/or edges of adjacent bumps. The non-uniform spacing between the bumps can be arranged to give maximum wave drag alleviation for the minimum number of bumps as a function of the shock strength across the span, leading to minimum wing weight penalties for a given amount of wave drag alleviation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Norman Wood
  • Publication number: 20100301171
    Abstract: An aerodynamic structure comprising an array shock bumps (3, 10) extending from its surface, the array comprising: a first series of shock bumps; and one or more shock bumps positioned aft of the first series. Preferably at least one of the one or more shock bumps positioned aft of the first series is offset so that it is not positioned directly aft of any of the shock bumps in the first series. By providing an array of shock bumps instead of a single line, the first series of shock bumps and the one or more shock bumps positioned aft of the first series can be positioned to modify the structure of a shock which forms under a different respective condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Norman Wood
  • Publication number: 20100301173
    Abstract: An aerodynamic structure comprising a shock bump (3) extending from its surface. The shock bump is asymmetrical about a plane of asymmetry, and the plane of asymmetry: passes through a centre (6) of the shock bump, is parallel with a principal direction of air flow over the structure, and extends at a right angle to the surface of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Norman Wood
  • Publication number: 20100301172
    Abstract: An aerodynamic structure (1) comprising a series of shock bumps (3a, 3b, 3c) extending from its surface. The shock bumps are distributed along a line (7) with a smaller mean angle of sweep than an unperturbed shock (4) which would form adjacent to the surface during transonic movement of the structure in the absence of the shock bumps. Instead of being distributed along the line of the unperturbed shock, the shock bumps are distributed along a line which is less swept than the mean angle of sweep of the unperturbed shock. When the structure is moved at a transonic speed; a shock forms adjacent to its surface and the shock bumps perturb the shock (9) so as to reduce its angle of sweep.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS UK LIMITED
    Inventor: Norman Wood
  • Publication number: 20100213320
    Abstract: A device such as an aerofoil which in use is subject to fluid flow, includes an outer surface part the geometry of which is variable to affect the fluid flow, the device including a support structure which supports the outer surface part, the support structure being internal of the device and including a plurality of support members of composite material the geometry of the support structure being changeable by an actuating apparatus, between a first stable geometry and a second stable geometry to effect variation in the geometry of the outer surface part, the support members providing structure stiffness to the outer surface part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen Daynes, Paul Weaver, Kevin Potter
  • Publication number: 20090294596
    Abstract: A method for reducing drag, increasing lift and heat transfer using a de-turbulating device is disclosed, with the preferred form of the deturbulator being a flexible composite sheet. The flexible composite sheet comprising a membrane, a substrate coupled to the membrane, and a plurality of ridges coupled between the membrane and the substrate, wherein a vibratory motion is induced from the flow to at least one segment of a membrane spanning a distances, wherein the vibratory motion is reflected from at least one segment of the membrane to the flow, and; wherein a reduction in fluctuations is caused in the flow pressure gradient and freestream velocity U at all frequencies except around f, where f>>U/s.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Sumon K. Sinha, Sumontro Sinha
  • Patent number: 7614588
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for combining aerodynamic design with engine power to increase synergy between the two and increase climb performance, engine-out performance, and fuel efficiency for a variety of aircraft or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: David Birkenstock
  • Publication number: 20090210103
    Abstract: A method is provided whereby airplanes or any device with the functionality and usefulness of an airplane may be controlled without the use of any traditional effectors, such as flaps, rudders, ailerons, spoilers, and all like hinged, moveable airfoils attached to a wing or a fuselage. The means of controlling such airplanes while in flight will be by controlling the laminar air flow over all lifting surfaces so as to vary the amount and quality of the lift provided. All lifting surfaces on the airplane will be divided into dozens, hundreds, or thousands of small zones, each of which can be readily controlled by a central flight computer and each of which is capable of modifying its immediate airflow condition, whether that be laminar flow or some particular degree and variety of local eddy current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Leon Cook
  • Publication number: 20090090423
    Abstract: The invention relates to hydroaeromechanics, heat and mass exchange and power engineering, medical instrument engineering, and other branches of economy, in which the motion of a continuous medium (gases, liquids, and mixtures thereof) defines the functional and technical-and-economical efficiency. It relates to the method of forming the currents of a new type whose flow has the embedded tornado-like jets connected with the boundary layer on the streamlined surfaces, sucking this layer out and transferring the sucked mass into the main stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Gennady Iraklievich Kiknadze, Ivan Alexandrovich Gachechiladze
  • Publication number: 20090078830
    Abstract: An aircraft including: a fuselage and two wings to which engine nacelles are attached and that are each connected laterally to the fuselage, one on each side thereof, by a central fairing. The central fairing includes, facing each wing, two opposed surfaces connected one to a suction face side and the other to a pressure face side of the wing and that extend longitudinally along the fuselage. At least one of the two surfaces includes at least one local geometric deformation configured to generate lateral aerodynamic disturbances on the central fairing toward the wing to control the flow of air over the wing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Airbus France
    Inventors: Thierry Fol, Philippe Jimenez, Arnaud Namer
  • Patent number: 7484589
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for attenuating aerospace engine noise and unsteady pressure fluctuations associated with high velocity exhaust flows. The apparatus and method reduce acoustic fatigue damage to aerospace vehicles that may be caused by the reflection of exhaust energy from landing and/or launch platforms. The apparatus includes a passive treatment area associated with the platform operable for reducing the magnitude of the reflected sound waves and unsteady pressure fluctuations from the high velocity exhaust mass flow exiting from the engine. The passive treatment area may include a layer of sound absorptive material, at least one set of roughness elements for disrupting high velocity flow structures. A protective cover may be positioned over the passive treatment area for permitting exhaust flow to pass therethrough while still providing adequate structure to support the weight of the aerospace vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Yueping Guo
  • Publication number: 20080265100
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Crouch, Lian L. Ng, Mary I. Sutanto
  • Patent number: 7318619
    Abstract: A body part including a surface having a fluid flow thereover. The body part also includes flocking coupled to at least a portion of the surface that adjusts an aerodynamic characteristic relative to the surface that is devoid of the flocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Munro & Associates
    Inventors: Alexander S. Munro, Andrew J. Mazurkiewicz
  • Patent number: 7150435
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type aircraft. The aircraft includes the airframe and wing, characterized in that the transverse section of airframe has an oblate (oval) profile with corrugated area on the ventral of airframe; the aircraft has uneven friction areas on the underside surface of wing; there are fireproof & anti-wear layers on the envelopes of airframe ventral and friction areas; the said fireproof & anti-wear layers have tire rubber material. When the aircraft is in motion with high velocity, the friction with air is increased, which produces bigger lift with more aircraft load and shortened takeoff & landing distance of aircraft, meanwhile the safe peril to aircraft caused by the shear transformation of wind in flight is prevented effectively; the fireproof & anti-wear layers on the envelopes of airframe ventral and friction areas have an effect on higher anti-wear proof and longer aircraft life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Yunlong Wu
  • Patent number: 7118071
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling shocks on airfoil lower surfaces are disclosed. An airfoil in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes an upper surface portion having an upper surface positioned to face generally upwardly during the level flight, and a lower surface portion having a leading edge region, a trailing edge region and a lower surface positioned to face generally downwardly during level flight. A shock control protrusion extends away from the lower surface and is positioned to generate a shock extending away from the lower surface at a least one flight condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: David R. Bogue
  • Patent number: 7070850
    Abstract: An article for reducing the drag caused by a fluid flowing over a surface comprises a backing layer having an outer, exposed patterned surface that reduces drag, and an adhesive bonding layer for bonding the backing layer to the surface of a substrate, the article being free of a reinforcing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Timothy M. Dietz, Daniel R. Fronek
  • Patent number: 7041363
    Abstract: The invention relates to a solid body of plastic, glass, ceramic or metal which has at least partially a microstructured surface with rows oriented in a preferential direction of cross-sectionally trapezoidal or wedge-shaped ridges, wherein the ridges have minima and maxima in height (H) which lie in the range from 0 mm to 2 mm, and the minima and maxima follow one another periodically with amplitudes in the range from 0.005 to 20 mm, and the spacing of the rows of neighboring ridges in relation to one another is 0.002 mm to 5 mm, it being possible for the valleys between the rows to be planar, curved or tapered, and the cross-sectionally trapezoidal or wedge-shaped ridges have a wedge angle (?) in the range from 15 to 75°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Roehm GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Krohmer, Hans Lorenz, Norbert Brand
  • Patent number: 6892989
    Abstract: A method for reducing drag upon a blunt-based vehicle by adaptively increasing forebody roughness to increase drag at the roughened area of the forebody, which results in a decrease in drag at the base of this vehicle, and in total vehicle drag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Stephen A. Whitmore, Edwin J. Saltzman, Timothy R. Moes, Kenneth W. Iliff
  • Patent number: 6789769
    Abstract: A slat is selectively extended from a main wing body, with a concave rear surface of the slat facing a convex forward nose surface of the wing body, with a slat gap therebetween. At least one row of flexible bristles is movably arranged relative to the lower rear edge of the slat, to flexibly protrude up into the slat air gap. At least one row of flexible bristles is movably arranged along the upper rear edge of the slat to extend rearwardly over the slat air gap and the upper surface of the main wing body. The flexible bristles are flexibly self-positioning and self-contouring due to the aerodynamic forces acting thereon, to improve the air flow conditions through the slat gap, separate the slat gap airflow from an entrapped eddy vortex on the concave rear surface of the slat, and thereby reduce the aerodynamic noise generated along the slat gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignees: Airbus Deutschland GmbH, Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft-und Raumfahrt e. V.
    Inventors: Knut Mau, Werner Dobrzynski
  • Patent number: 6644598
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Ari Glezer, Michael Amitay
  • Patent number: 6612524
    Abstract: A forebody 10 for an aeronautical vehicle 12 is provided. The forebody 10 includes an exterior wall 14 having a first half 16 and a second half 18. The first half 16 has a first porous section 20 and the second half 18 has a second porous section 24. The first half 16 and the second half 18 also have a first exterior side 22 experiencing a first fluidic pressure and a second exterior side 26 experiencing a second fluidic pressure, respectively. A hollow inner cavity 28 is fluidically coupled to the first exterior side 22 and the second exterior side 26 and allows fluid passage between the first exterior side 22 and the second exterior side 26 through the first porous section 20, the inner cavity 28, and the second porous section 24. The exterior wall 14 equalizes the first fluidic pressure with the second fluidic pressure. Additional forebodies and methods for performing the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Garrett M. Billman, Patrick J. O'Neil