Performance Enhancement of a Full-Scale Vertical Tail Model Equipped with Active Flow Control

Abstract

This paper describes wind tunnel test results from a joint NASA/Boeing research effort to advance active flow control (AFC) technology to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. A full-scale Boeing 757 vertical tall model equipped with sweeping jet actuators was tested at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NIFAC) 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel (40x80) at NASA Ames Research Center. The model was tested at a nominal airspeed of 100 knots and across rudder deflections and sideslip angles that covered the vertical tail flight envelope. A successful demonstration or AFC-enhanced vertical tail technology was achieved. A 31-actuator configuration significantly increased side force (by greater than 20%) at a maximum rudder deflection of 30°. The successful demonstration of this application has cleared the way for a flight demonstration on the Boeing 757 ecoDemonstrator in 2015.