Switching of a Bistable Diverter Valve with Synthetic Jet Actuators

摘要

Presented here is the development of a synthetic jet actuator controlled bistable fluidic diverter valve. The valve has been characterized for a range operating conditions, where it has been demonstrated that an SJ can provide control authority, independently of conditions of the inlet flow, within the range tested. Further experiments with measurement techniques such as PTV in the actuation area of the valve would be of interest to aid further understanding of the initial results seen to date. Understanding of why switching success depends on jet frequency for a threshold level of jet momentum is a key issue. This could allow scaling of the valve to higher flow rates. The geometric properties of the valve that govern the time scales involved in the transition of flow from one channel to the other are of particular importance because this may also have a role in defining the maximum achievable frequency.