FLOW CHARACTERISTICS OF SYNTHETIC JETS DEPENDING ON EXIT CONFIGURATION

Flow characteristics of synthetic jets have been computationally investigated for different exit configurations under a cross flow condition. The exit configuration of a synthetic jet substantially affects the process of vortex generation and evolution, which eventually determines the mechanism of jet momentum transport. Two types of exit configurations were considered: one is a conventional rectangular exit, and the other is a series of circular holes. The interactions of synthetic jets with a freestream were performed by analyzing the vortical structure characteristics. The effectiveness of flow control was evaluated by examining the behavior of the wall shear stress. Through various comparisons, it was observed that the exit configuration should be regarded as an important design parameter, and the circular exit provides better performance than the rectangular exit in terms of sustainable vortical structure and flow control capability.