Methods and systems for controlling a fluid flow field near a surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes an array of oscillating bodies disposed on the surface to provide physical modification to the flow field. Fluid jets are also emitted from an outlet in the oscillating body to provide virtual modification of the flow field through momentum addition. Fluid jet sources, including synthetic jet generators such as piezoelectric drivers and sources of compressed fluids such as air or water, are positioned to be in fluid communication with the outlet at intervals during the oscillation of the oscillating body. Controlling the oscillation amplitude and frequency of the body, as well as the location of oscillating body outlets and frequency of fluid jet emission, have advantageous effects for the surface such as improved heat transfer properties and reduction in structural vibration and noise.

An aerodynamic aircraft wall has external and internal surfaces and is equipped with at least one vortex generator. The vortex generator has at least one active wall projecting with respect to the external surface of the aerodynamic wall. A connecting system connects the vortex generator to the aerodynamic wall. The connecting system includes at least one support having a base pressed firmly against the internal surface of the aerodynamic wall and a head which passes through the aerodynamic wall and collaborates with the active wall, at least one first fastener connecting the base of the support and the aerodynamic wall, at least one second fastener connecting the head of the support and the active wall.

Fluid systems are described herein. An example embodiment of a fluid system has a lengthwise axis, a chord length, a first body portion, a second body portion, a spacer, and a fluid pressurizer. The first body portion and the second body portion cooperatively define an injection opening, a suction opening, and a channel that extends from the injection opening to the suction opening. The fluid pressurizer is disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by the first body portion and the second body portion. The first body portion defines a cavity that is sized and configured to filter debris that enters the channel during use and provide a mechanism for removing the debris from the system.

For dual management of anti-icing and boundary-layer suction, a system for an aerofoil of an aircraft, including: a channel having a double function of anti-icing and boundary-layer suction; a double-function main pipe to which a device for monitoring the boundary-layer suction and a device for monitoring anti-icing are connected; an anti-icing air-intake pipe connecting the main pipe and the channel; a non-return valve enabling anti-icing air to go from the main pipe to the pipe; at least one suction-air collection pipe connecting the channel and the main pipe; and a non-return valve enabling suction air to pass from the pipe toward the main pipe.

A leading edge structure (11) for a flow control system of an aircraft (1) including a leading edge panel (13) surrounding surrounds a plenum (17) which extends in a span direction (19), wherein the leading edge panel (13) has a first side portion (21) extending from a leading edge point (23) to a first attachment end (25), wherein the leading edge panel (13) has a second side portion (27) opposite the first side portion (21), extending from the leading edge point (23) to a second attachment end (29), wherein the leading edge panel (13) comprises an inner surface (33) facing the plenum (17) and an outer surface (37) in contact with an ambient flow (39), and wherein the leading edge panel (13) comprises a plurality of micro pores (45) forming a fluid connection between the plenum (17) and the ambient flow (39).

A system for reducing drag on an aircraft includes an ambient air inlet positioned in or near a wingtip fence and or winglet of the aircraft and an air pressurization device, such as an air compressor, coupled to the ambient air inlet. The air pressurization device has an inlet oriented toward the ambient air inlet. The air pressurization device has an outlet oriented toward an interior of the aircraft.

Fluid systems are described herein. An example embodiment of a fluid system has a first body portion, a second body portion, a plurality of supports, a plurality of fluid pressurizers, and a plurality of ducts. The first body portion and the second body portion cooperatively define an injection opening, a suction opening, and a channel that extends from the injection opening to the suction opening. The fluid pressurizer is disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by the first body portion and the second body portion. Each duct of the plurality of ducts is disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by the first body portion and the second body portion.

An aircraft includes a fuselage and at least one primary wing having an upper surface, at least one recess in the upper surface and at least one conduit in fluid communication with the at least one recess. At least one ejector is disposed within the at least one recess and is configured to receive compressed air via the at least one conduit.

Example active flow control systems and methods for aircraft are described herein. An example active flow control system includes a plurality of nozzles arranged in an array across a surface of an aircraft. The nozzles are oriented to eject air across the surface to reduce airflow separation. The active flow control system also includes an air source coupled to the nozzles and a controller to activate the nozzles to eject air from the air source in sequence from outboard to inboard and then from inboard to outboard to create a wave of air moving from outboard to inboard and then from inboard to outboard across the surface.

A stealth craft's aerodynamics and flight stability are improved with the use of a multi-faceted dihedral planform. The stealth craft includes a multi-faceted dihedral planform extending in a direction from a front to a rear of a craft (or wing) and defined by a first set of facets followed by a second set of facets. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second sets of facets have an angle of incline that is ascending and descending, respectively, with respect to the direction of the planform. Selected ones of the first and second sets of facets are configured with insufflation slots for improving aerodynamics and stability, the insufflation slots extending spanwise in a direction transverse to the direction of the planform and provided to insufflate a fluid to form a cushion of air along the multi-faceted dihedral planform for improving aerodynamics and stability.