Comparative Characterization of Synthetic Jets Produced by Dynamic Deformable Surfaces

Skinder A. Dar; Chukwudum N. Eluchie; David Butler; Paloma Garcia-Guillen; Cong Wang

doi:10.2514/1.J067004

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Comparative Characterization of Synthetic Jets Produced by Dynamic Deformable Surfaces

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Comparative Characterization of Synthetic Jets Produced by Dynamic Deformable Surfaces

Skinder A. Dar, Chukwudum N. Eluchie, David Butler, Paloma Garcia-Guillen and Cong Wang

AIAA journal

07/27/2026

DOI: 10.2514/1.J067004

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Abstract

Synthetic jets (SJs), typically generated by periodic oscillations within a surface cavity, are widely used for active flow control. Recently, a new class of SJs driven by a dynamically deformable surface (DDS-SJs) has emerged, offering enhanced flow manipulation capabilities. This study investigates the physics and performance of two DDS actuators: one based on a free-slip air–water interface and the other on a no-slip thin elastic membrane, using pressurized air and water, respectively, as working fluids. Both DDS actuators follow Bessel-type oscillations. A theoretical analysis demonstrates that the two DDS actuators have distinct power input requirements with different resonant frequency ranges. Time-resolved particle image velocimetry and flow visualization reveal distinct flow dynamics between the two configurations. Phase-averaged vorticity fields and spectral proper orthogonal decomposition (SPOD) reveal the formation of stable, coherent vortical structures composed of interconnected, coaxial ring-shaped vortices originating from the deformable surface, with dominant spectral energy concentrated at the forcing frequency. The interface-based DDS-SJ has a stronger spatiotemporal coherence. These findings advance the fundamental understanding of DDS-SJs and highlight their potential for advanced flow control applications.

Streamwise Velocity

Vortex Dynamics

Spectral Proper Orthogonal Decomposition

Nonlinear Actuators

Mechanical and Structural Vibrations

Time Resolved Particle Image Velocimetry

Active Flow Control

Fluid Flow Properties

Mechanical Properties

Flow Instabilities

Details

Title: Subtitle: Comparative Characterization of Synthetic Jets Produced by Dynamic Deformable Surfaces
Creators: Skinder A. Dar - University of Iowa
Chukwudum N. Eluchie - University of Iowa
David Butler - University of Iowa
Paloma Garcia-Guillen - Technical University of Munich
Cong Wang - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: AIAA journal
DOI: 10.2514/1.J067004
ISSN: 0001-1452
eISSN: 1533-385X
Publisher: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 07/27/2026
Academic Unit: IIHR--Hydroscience and Engineering; Mechanical Engineering
Record Identifier: 9985214916002771

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