Aero-driven bleed-air (ADB) is a flow control technology that offers a unique alternative to novel aircraft concepts that are not conducive to traditional flapped control surfaces. The primary source of mechanical energy for ADB control is derived from the motion of the vehicle. Inherent pressure differences across aerodynamic surfaces are communicated by means of internal channels, with the intent of affecting the local crossflow. Effected across a large area, ADB can significantly alter the global aerodynamic forces and moments. This investigation explores the performance of large-area-distributed ADB as a roll control mechanism on a low-speed, fixed-wing air vehicle. A series of wind tunnel experiments is presented, aimed at characterizing the effects that various porosity configurations have on the lift and drag of a Clark-Y airfoil section. ADB was found to be capable of reducing the sectional lift coefficient across a broad domain of angles of attack () by as much as relative to the baseline airfoil. A mathematical model for estimating the steady-state roll rate of a wing with ADB is developed. Several pore opening schedules are considered, with an emphasis on finding a nearly linear relationship between bleed level and steady-state roll rate. The selected schedule is implemented on a flight test vehicle equipped with ADB roll control effectors. Roll rates of up to were achieved in flight, and flight test data were found to validate the steady-state roll rate model. The aircraft was piloted from takeoff through landing using ADB for roll control.
Aero-Driven Bleed-Air Applied to Roll Control
Journal of Aircraft ; 57 , 4 ; 652-663
2020-03-13
12 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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