Synthetic jet control of separation in the flow over a circular cylinder

A synthetic jet generated by a non-sinusoidal waveform is used to control flow separation around a circular cylinder at Reynolds number 950. The synthetic jet is positioned at the rear stagnation point. The suction duty cycle factor defined as the ratio of the time duration of the suction cycle to the blowing cycle is introduced as the determining parameter. Increasing the suction duty cycle factor, the exit velocity and entrainment effect of the synthetic jet are enhanced, flow separation is delayed, and drag reduction by up to 29?% is achieved. Different mechanisms for separation control during both the blowing cycle and the suction cycle have been revealed. It is suggested that a better control effect can be obtained during the blowing cycle.