Project

Synthetic Jet Flow Control of Compressors Vanes (SynJet)

Through a combination of wind tunnel experimentation, Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis, and experimentation on Solar Turbines's Gas Compressor Rig, CITER undergraduate and graduate students  and interns at ST are developing synthetic jet control methods to enhance vane efficiency by reducing stall and enabling variable turning angles without mechanically actuated devices.We have assesed  the performance of  synthetic jets based on hot-wire measurements and smoke tunnel visualization. 3D printed windtunnel models are tested through PIV measurements and force measurements in SDSU's low-speed tunnel close loop tunnel. LES calculations provide insight into the unstaedy velocity field over the base airfoil.