Mechanism of flow separation control by coherent vortices induced by synthetic jet

This study employs synthetic jet actuation (SJA) to control large-scale flow separation on the suction side of a NACA0015 aerofoil at a Reynolds number of 2.1 times × × 10 Superscript 5 10 5 10⁵ and an angle of 18 Superscript ring 18 ∘ 18^∘ . The underlying control mechanism is investigated using large-eddy simulations to resolve the dynamics of jet-induced coherent structures associated with the low-frequency actuation. During the periodic blowing and suction cycle, two distinct types of spanwise coherent vortices are identified: blowing-induced vortices (BIVs) and suction-induced vortices (SIVs), which differ significantly in spatial distribution and energy content. As these vortices are convected downstream at speeds comparable to the free-stream velocity, BIVs exhibit a significantly slower rate of energy decay, whereas SIVs dissipate rapidly, particularly near the trailing edge. Triple decomposition analysis shows that energy addition is primarily associated with the coherent velocity components. Notably, BIVs exhibit a stronger entrainment capacity, enhancing momentum exchange between the separated shear layer and outer flow via coherent Reynolds shear stresses. This intensified exchange facilitates the outward transport of low-momentum fluid, effectively enhancing aerodynamic performance and delaying flow separation. Furthermore, spectral proper orthogonal decomposition reveals distinct energy peaks centred at the actuation frequency and its harmonics. Among the two vortex types, BIVs contribute most of the coherent spectral energy, highlighting their critical role in the overall effectiveness of the flow control. These findings elucidate the flow organisation and modulation mechanisms associated with low-frequency SJA under deep-stall conditions, and provide a physical interpretation of the observed reorganisation of the separated flow.