Numerical simulation of high-power synthetic jet actuator flowfield and its influence on mixing control

Detailed two-dimensional unsteady numerical simulation is carried out to investigate a high-power synthetic jet actuator flow field and its design characteristic. Simultaneously, mixing control mechanism of coaxial jets with actuators is also studied. Firstly, excitation frequency (rotating speed), piston displacement and its exit slot width have effect on the controlling ability and controlling efficiency of actuator. With the invariable model and concerned parameters, the actuator becomes more desirable as the rotating speed increases. Average velocity and maximal velocity at the actuator exit section increase as the piston displacement enlarges or the exit slot width decreases. But the actuator does not always exhibit good performance with the narrower exit. Secondly, the synthetic jets also have the "push" effect on the coaxial jets, which results in the fluctuation of vorticity and temperature distribution of mixing flowfield. Finally, the employment of synthetic jet actuator can achieve mixing enhancement significantly.