An experimental and numerical study of synthetic jet flow

Abstract

Abstract The flow generated by a synthetic jet actuator with a circular orifice is investigated experimentally and computationally. The experimental data and computational predictions are in fair to good agreement with each other and with the theory for a steady turbulent jet. It is found, however, that the synthetic jet establishes itself much more rapidly than the steady jet, primarily because of turbulent dissipation. The oscillatory nature of synthetic jet flow also gives rise to a much greater entrainment of ambient fluid compared with the case of a steady jet. Finally, self-similarity seems to be established when the oscillations introduced by the actuator are reduced to negligible levels.