Optimisation of air-jet vortex generators with respect to system design parameters

A simple technique is proposed that allows the definition of the geometry a nd characteristics of an air-jet vortex generator to be defined, using the system requirements in practical design. Typically, the aircraft designer i s concerned with the mass flow-rate and air pressure requirements of any pn eumatic system for inclusion to an airframe. These parameters are not congr uent with those for air-jet vortex generator aerodynamic design, and theref ore, some tool is required to bridge the gap. Such a tool is proposed, based on empirical methods for the prediction of a ir-jet vortex generator behaviour. The technique allows the comparison of t he vortex strength, and the system inputs (the jet mass flow-rate and the a ir-jet plenum pressure) for the air-jet, for a range of jet nozzle diameter s and jet velocity ratios. Through this comparison, the optimum air-jet des ign can be reached for a given system input.