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Deployable Vortex Generators for on Demand Separation Control
Title: Senior Associate
Phone: (609) 538-0444
Email: alan@cdiprinceton.com
Title: Administrator
Phone: (609) 538-0444
Email: alan@cdiprinceton.com
The development of new, active flow control devices will be critical to meeting the NASA Aerospace Technology Enterprise goals of reducing air travel costs by 25% in 10 years and 50% in 25 years. Continuum Dynamics, Inc. (CDI) proposes the development of a new ¿pop-up¿ vortex generator (PUVG) concept which will eliminate cruise and off-design drag penalties of conventional vortex generators through flush surface stowage and deliver the proven flow control of traditional vortex and micro-vortex generators when deployed. Key in the development of this new flow control device is the application of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technologies developed at CDI which allow: device stowage conforming to the application mold line; minimum power requirements through self-locking actuation; low weight and simplicity through elimination of bulky mechanical actuation; the potential for selective deployment optimization based on vehicle operating conditions; and the potential for retrofit on existing aircraft systems. The proposed Phase I effort will carry out the conceptual design, fabrication and experimental studies demonstrating ¿proof of concept,¿ which can then be carried to Phase II/III product development. PUVGs offer the building blocks for a distributed flow control system with the potential to optimize aircraft performance in critical flight conditions.
* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *