A computational approach to the simulation of controlled flows by synthetic jets actuators

The paper focuses on the integration of a non-linear one-dimensional model of Synthetic Jet (SJ) actuator in a well-assessed numerical simulation method for turbulent compressible flows. The computational approach is intended to the implementation of a numerical tool suited for flow control simulations with affordable CPU resources. A strong compromise is sought between the use of boundary conditions or zero-dimensional models and the full simulation of the actuator cavity, in view of long-term simulation with multiple synthetic jet actuators. The model is integrated in a multi-domain numerical procedure where the controlled flow field is simulated by a standard CFD method for compressible RANS equations, while flow inside the actuator is reduced to a one-dimensional duct flow with a moving piston. The non-linear matching between the two systems, which ensures conservation of the mass, momentum and energy is explained. The numerical method is successfully tested against three typical test cases: the jet in quiescent air, the SJ in cross flow and the flow control on the NACA0015 airfoil.