Preliminary study on fluidic actuators. Design modifications

Abstract

As fluidic actuators have the advantage of lacking moving parts, their use in real applications brings high reliability. This is why, once having overcome their drawbacks, which means being able to provide the appropriate momentum and frequency, they could extensively be used in a wide range of applications. The present paper will present a CFD evaluation of the flow inside a fluidic oscillator. Initially a standard fluidic actuator will be simulated and the results compared with existing experimental data. In a second step, several geometric parameters will be modified; the actuator performance under these new conditions is reported. The paper aims to be an aid for future innovative oscillator designs.