Modeling and Experimental Validation of the Frequency Response of Synthetic Jet Actuators

Abstract

A lumped-element mathematical model of the operation of a synthetic jet actuator driven by a thin piezoelectric disk is both analytically and numerically investigated to obtain information about the frequency response of the device. It is shown that the actuator behaves as a two-coupled oscillator system, and simple relationships are given to predict the two peak frequencies, corresponding to the modified Helmholtz and first-mode structural resonance frequencies. The model is validated through experimental tests carried out on three devices having different mechanical and geometrical characteristics, designed primarily to achieve an increasing coupling strength. A strict agreement between overall theoretical scaling laws and numerical computations is also found.