Facilities

Actuator Development

The microjet development laboratory facilitates the study of the fluid dynamics of microflows, particularly supersonic microjets. To date, supersonic microjets as small as 50 microns with exit velocities in the range of over 500 m/s have been examined. Microjets are being studied due to their many potential applications, which included heating and cooling of electronics and other devices, dust removal and as actuators for active control of the large scale supersonic impinging jets, which occur in STOVL (Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing) aircraft.

Properties that have been studied include: flow visualization of both the free and impinging microjet, surface pressure, skin friction coefficient, and heat transfer. Various experiment diagnostics have applied to the study of microjets. These diagnostics include the use of a specialized micro-Schlieren system (in-line and z-type) and oil film interferometry. This research has been Research Sponsors the the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and NASA, Langley.