Comparison of sweeping jet and pulsed jet actuators installed in a vertical tail model

This study compares the effectiveness of sweeping jet (SWJ) and pulsed jet actuators (PJA) installed in a vertical tail plane (VTP) model, aiming to enhance aerodynamic performance by controlling flow separation at a chord Reynolds number of 1.3 million. The work involves a comprehensive experimental setup with variations in sideslip angle, rudder deflection angle, and active flow control mass flow rate to evaluate the actuators’ performance. In addition to balance measurements required to determine the integral forces, pressure measurements were used to investigate local effects. The results show similarities in some aspects, but also significant differences in other areas between the two types of actuators in this particular setup. At identical actuation mass flow, PJAs generated the larger side-force increase at lower sideslip angles, particularly in the mid-span region of the VTP, where the control task is mainly associated with rudder separation. SWJs generated the larger side-force increase at higher sideslip angles and in the lower and upper span regions. The force and pressure data are consistent with a possible beneficial interaction of SWJs with the leading-edge vortex and with a reduced negative influence of the root necklace-vortex system in the present wind-tunnel setup; however, these vortex-related interpretations are indirect because no spatial flow-field measurements were acquired for the SWJ/PJA comparison.