Abstract
Keywords :
Electrostatic valve, flow control
Abstract :
An electrostatic micro valve actuator has been designed, modelled and realized for air flow control. The actuator consists of a S-shape flexible beam sandwitched between two planar rigid electrodes. The S-bent beam moves back and forth as voltage is applied between the beam and each electrode alternately. The ”Zip” valve provides high electrostatic forces required for controlling rather large pressure differences. The aim is to generate continuous or pulsated micro jets producing longitudinal vortices into the boundary layer that will, hence, bring energy by momentun transfer. The boundary layer less tends to separate from the vehicle and then aerodynamical improvements as drag reduction or lift enhancement can be obtained. An array of fifteen actuators has been manufactured and characterized by particles Image Velocimetry (PIV) and hot wire anemometry. The valves are able to control pressure differences up to 27 kPa with a supply voltage of 400 V. The micro jets generated can reach a velocity close to 100 m.s−1.