A flow control device 12 with a device aerodynamic surface arranged on a structure such that strain in the structure is at least partially transferred to the flow control device. The flow control device has a first stable state corresponding to a first shape of the aerodynamic surface, and a second (steady or stable) state 22 corresponding to a second shape of the aerodynamic surface. The flow control rapidly transitions (e.g. snaps through) from first to second state when strain in the structure exceeds an activation threshold. Activation threshold may be tuneable. The device may be mono-stable or bi-stable and comprise anisotropic, laminate, or pre-stressed isotropic material. Optionally the device is a lift spoiler at a transition region between the aircraft wing and a wingtip device upwardly projecting portion. Optionally the spoiler is triggered to curl or bend towards an oncoming flow direction in an activated position, from being flush with an aerofoil low pressure surface in a rest position.
Flow control device
2022-04-27
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B64C AEROPLANES , Flugzeuge |