APPLICATION OF CONFORMAL SUB BOUNDARY LAYER VORTEX GENERATORS TO A FOIL OR AERO/ HYDRODYNAMIC SURFACE
A method of improving aerodynamic performance of foils by the application of conformal, low drag vortex generators. A film of erosion protection material or other conformal material is placed on the foil to provide a medium for the incorporation of planform edge vortex generators. The form edge is shaped to achieve submerged vortex generating shapes of chevron or ogival planforms, extending primarily chordwise on the foil surface. The vortex generators promote improved boundary layer dynamics by mixing free stream flow into the boundary layer while minimising separation and fluid losses. At the trailing edge, the shape formed with the chevrons applied apex forward, acts as a vented gurney tab series and additionally as disruptors to the Von Karman Street wake, delaying sheet rollup into the tip vortice.
1 . An application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface for reducing drag or improving lift or lift to drag ratios, comprising:
means for developing a pair of counter rotating streamwise vortices for the purpose of re-energising the boundary layer, thereby improving lift or drag or lift to drag ratios.
2 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said means for developing a pair of counter rotating streamwise vortices for the purpose of re-energising the boundary layer, thereby improving lift or drag or lift to drag ratios comprises a conformal to substrate, elastomeric, planform for generating predominately streamwise vortices, that minimises extent of transverse linear trailing edge, thermally stable, chevron or triangular planform, with a planform of linear v sides, or, with a planform of ogival sides sub boundary layer vortex generators.
3 . An application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface for reducing drag or improving lift or lift to drag ratios, comprising:
a conformal to substrate, elastomeric, planform for generating predominately streamwise vortices, that minimises extent of transverse linear trailing edge, thermally stable, chevron or triangular planform, with a planform of linear v sides, or, with a planform of ogival sides sub boundary layer vortex generators, for developing a pair of counter rotating streamwise vortices for the purpose of re-energising the boundary layer, thereby improving lift or drag or lift to drag ratios.
4 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 3 , further comprising:
an elastomeric, thermally stable within operational limitations, bondable, erosion resistant polymer erosion protection layer, for providing erosion protection, integrally conformed to said sub boundary layer vortex generators.
5 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 3 , further comprising:
an elastomeric, thermally stable, bondable application medium, for providing a medium to embed performance enhancing sub boundary layer vortex generators upon, integrally constructed to said sub boundary layer vortex generators.
6 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 3 , further comprising:
a planform of aft facing steps preferentially angled to relative flow, fabricated in an erosion protection material, conformal, bondable, located with abutted to a lapjoint and with height equal to the lapjoint step v form sub boundary layer vortex generators, for generating a pair of counter rotating streamwise vortices that re-energise the boundary layer.
7 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 3 , further comprising:
a sub boundary layer vortex generator mask, for masking a planform shape that is beneficial for developing a surface layer edge shape that promotes vorticity in the boundary layer.
8 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 3 , further comprising:
a series of, linear penetration of laminate, aligned parallel to flow, of a length of between 2 to 10 times the laminate height laminate substrate vents, for venting the base of the laminate to atmosphere to mitigate bubble formation, completely inserted to said application medium.
9 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 3 , further comprising:
a trailing edge planform that promotes streamwise vorticity, overlaps trailing component surface lapjoint, for join of component sections whereby streamwise vortices are generated to re-energise the boundary layer, and reduce drag, increase lift or improve lift/drag ratios, adhesively appended to said v form sub boundary layer vortex generators.
10 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 3 , further comprising:
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.
11 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 4 , further comprising:
a planform of aft facing steps preferentially angled to relative flow, fabricated in an erosion protection material, conformal, bondable, located with abutted to a lapjoint and with height equal to the lapjoint step v form sub boundary layer vortex generators, for generating a pair of counter rotating streamwise vortices that re-energise the boundary layer, adhesively appended to said lapjoint.
12 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 4 , further comprising:
a series of, linear penetration of laminate, aligned parallel to flow, of a length of between 2 to 10 times the laminate height laminate substrate vents, for venting the base of the laminate to atmosphere to mitigate bubble formation, completely inserted to said application medium.
13 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 4 , further comprising:
a trailing edge planform that promotes streamwise vorticity, overlaps trailing component surface lapjoint, for join of component sections whereby streamwise vortices are generated to re-energise the boundary layer, and reduce drag, increase lift or improve lift/drag ratios, adhesively appended to said v form sub boundary layer vortex generators.
14 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 4 , further comprising:
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.
15 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 5 , further comprising:
a planform of aft facing steps preferentially angled to relative flow, fabricated in an erosion protection material, conformal, bondable, located with abutted to a lapjoint and with height equal to the lapjoint step v form sub boundary layer vortex generators, for generating a pair of counter rotating streamwise vortices that re-energise the boundary layer, adhesively appended to said lapjoint.
16 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 5 , further comprising:
a sub boundary layer vortex generator mask, for masking a planform shape that is beneficial for developing a surface layer edge shape that promotes vorticity in the boundary layer.
17 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 5 , further comprising:
a series of, linear penetration of laminate, aligned parallel to flow, of a length of between 2 to 10 times the laminate height laminate substrate vents, for venting the base of the laminate to atmosphere to mitigate bubble formation, completely inserted to said application medium.
18 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 5 , further comprising:
a trailing edge planform that promotes streamwise vorticity, overlaps trailing component surface lapjoint, for join of component sections whereby streamwise vortices are generated to re-energise the boundary layer, and reduce drag, increase lift or improve lift/drag ratios, adhesively appended to said v form sub boundary layer vortex generators.
19 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 5 , further comprising:
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.
20 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 6 , further comprising:
a sub boundary layer vortex generator mask, for masking a planform shape that is beneficial for developing a surface layer edge shape that promotes vorticity in the boundary layer.
21 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 6 , further comprising:
a series of, linear penetration of laminate, aligned parallel to flow, of a length of between 2 to 10 times the laminate height laminate substrate vents, for venting the base of the laminate to atmosphere to mitigate bubble formation, completely inserted to said application medium.
22 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 6 , further comprising:
a trailing edge planform that promotes streamwise vorticity, overlaps trailing component surface lapjoint, for join of component sections whereby streamwise vortices are generated to re-energise the boundary layer, and reduce drag, increase lift or improve lift/drag ratios, adhesively appended to said v form sub boundary layer vortex generators.
23 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 6 , further comprising:
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.
24 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 9 , further comprising:
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.
25 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 11 , further comprising:
a sub boundary layer vortex generator mask, for masking a planform shape that is beneficial for developing a surface layer edge shape that promotes vorticity in the boundary layer.
26 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 11 , further comprising:
a series of, linear penetration of laminate, aligned parallel to flow, of a length of between 2 to 10 times the laminate height laminate substrate vents, for venting the base of the laminate to atmosphere to mitigate bubble formation, completely inserted to said application medium.
27 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 11 , further comprising:
a trailing edge planform that promotes streamwise vorticity, overlaps trailing component surface lapjoint, for join of component sections whereby streamwise vortices are generated to re-energise the boundary layer, and reduce drag, increase lift or improve lift/drag ratios, adhesively appended to said v form sub boundary layer vortex generators.
28 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 11 , further comprising:
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.
29 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 12 , further comprising:
a trailing edge planform that promotes streamwise vorticity, overlaps trailing component surface lapjoint, for join of component sections whereby streamwise vortices are generated to re-energise the boundary layer, and reduce drag, increase lift or improve lift/drag ratios, adhesively appended to said v form sub boundary layer vortex generators.
30 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 12 , further comprising:
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.
31 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 13 , further comprising:
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.
32 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 15 , further comprising:
a series of, linear penetration of laminate, aligned parallel to flow, of a length of between 2 to 10 times the laminate height laminate substrate vents, for venting the base of the laminate to atmosphere to mitigate bubble formation, completely inserted to said application medium.
33 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 18 , further comprising:
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.
34 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 21 , further comprising:
a trailing edge planform that promotes streamwise vorticity, overlaps trailing component surface lapjoint, for join of component sections whereby streamwise vortices are generated to re-energise the boundary layer, and reduce drag, increase lift or improve lift/drag ratios, adhesively appended to said v form sub boundary layer vortex generators.
35 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 21 , further comprising:
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.
36 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 22 , further comprising:
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.
37 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 26 , further comprising:
a trailing edge planform that promotes streamwise vorticity, overlaps trailing component surface lapjoint, for join of component sections whereby streamwise vortices are generated to re-energise the boundary layer, and reduce drag, increase lift or improve lift/drag ratios, adhesively appended to said v form sub boundary layer vortex generators.
38 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 26 , further comprising:
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.
39 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 27 , further comprising:
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.
40 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 29 , further comprising:
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.
41 . The application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface as recited in claim 34 , further comprising:
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.
42 . An application of conformal sub boundary layer vortex generators to a foil or aero/hydrodynamic surface for reducing drag or improving lift or lift to drag ratios, comprising:
an elastomeric, thermally stable within operational limitations, bondable, erosion resistant polymer erosion protection layer, for providing erosion protection;
an elastomeric, thermally stable, bondable application medium, for providing a medium to embed performance enhancing sub boundary layer vortex generators upon;
a planform of aft facing steps preferentially angled to relative flow, fabricated in an erosion protection material, conformal, bondable, located with abutted to a lapjoint and with height equal to the lapjoint step v form sub boundary layer vortex generators, for generating a pair of counter rotating streamwise vortices that re-energise the boundary layer;
a conformal to substrate, elastomeric, planform for generating predominately streamwise vortices, that minimises extent of transverse linear trailing edge, thermally stable, chevron or triangular planform, with a planform of linear v sides, or, with a planform of ogival sides sub boundary layer vortex generators, for developing a pair of counter rotating streamwise vortices for the purpose of re-energising the boundary layer, thereby improving lift or drag or lift to drag ratios, integrally constructed to said application medium, and integrally conformed to said erosion protection layer;
a sub boundary layer vortex generator mask, for masking a planform shape that is beneficial for developing a surface layer edge shape that promotes vorticity in the boundary layer;
a series of, linear penetration of laminate, aligned parallel to flow, of a length of between 2 to 10 times the laminate height laminate substrate vents, for venting the base of the laminate to atmosphere to mitigate bubble formation, completely inserted to said application medium;
a trailing edge planform that promotes streamwise vorticity, overlaps trailing component surface lapjoint, for join of component sections whereby streamwise vortices are generated to re-energise the boundary layer, and reduce drag, increase lift or improve lift/drag ratios, adhesively appended to said v form sub boundary layer vortex generators; and
a plurality of separate, elastomeric, conformal, sub boundary layer height, series with spacing between chevrons of a minimum of 2 times base width, tip forward, base aft chevron configuration, relative to the freestream flow, with base located between 2 to zero times the height of chevron from the trailing edge of the surface sub boundary layer trailing edge chevron, for developing 2 counter rotating vortices proximate to the trailing edge, and a transverse vortex across the base of the chevron, bounded by the trailing edge surface and the aft face of the chevron.