Active Separation Control on the Flap of a Two-Dimensional Generic High-Lift Configuration

The paper describes experimental results of controlling flow separation by periodic excitation on the flap of a generic high-lift configuration. The single slotted flap of the two-dimensional test model is equipped with a robust and reliable actuator system that fits inside the flap. The flow is excited using a pulsed wall jet that emanates from the upper surface near the flap's leading edge through a small spanwise-oriented slot. By preventing the flow from separating or by reattaching the separated flow, lift and drag are substantially improved, resulting in a lift-to-drag ratio enhancement of 20-25%. Because of the actuator assembly with spanwise individually addressable segments, the separated flow can be forced to attach only to certain parts of the flap. Local spanwise excitation is thus used to generate a rolling moment without the need to deflect an aileron. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]