Ultrasonic drag reduction and lift increase

Details Ultrasonic drag reduction and lift increase Ultrasonic drag reduction and lift increase

1986-09-11

1988-05-03

Barefoot, Galen

Aeronautics and astronautics

Aircraft structure

Details

244204, 244198, B64C 2300

Patent

active

047414987

ABSTRACT:
Method and apparatus for reducing aerodynamic drag and enhancing lift by using ultrasound to alter the structure of boundary layers. In one embodiment, a continuous thin sheet of ultrasound is radiated transversely into the boundary layer parallel to an aerodynamic surface, such as an aircraft wing, carrying that boundary layer.
To ensure that the ultrasound sheet remains under (or over) the wing, means are provided to compensate for any downstream drift of the sheet with wing flow by transmitting it in a forward direction in proportion to the Mach number of the flow. The ultrasonic sheet may be applied as periodic strips spaced at predetermined downstream intervals.
In order to decrease the amount of acoustical energy required to implement the techniques of the present invention and to operate in a more efficient manner, the ultrasound transmission is modulated with audio frequencies.
Means for tuning the audio frequency to match various flight conditions are provided.

REFERENCES:
patent: 2366162 (1945-01-01), Vang
patent: 3362663 (1968-01-01), Wehrmann
patent: 3972383 (1976-08-01), Green
patent: 4516747 (1985-05-01), Lurz

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Ultrasonic drag reduction and lift increase does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Ultrasonic drag reduction and lift increase, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ultrasonic drag reduction and lift increase will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1501547