Active decoupling of the axisymmetric body wake response to a pitching motion

Controlled interactions between fluidic actuators and the cross flow over the aft end of a wire-mounted axisymmetric wind tunnel bluff body model (Re_D=2.3·10⁵) are exploited for modification of the near wake dynamics, and the consequent global aerodynamic loads. Actuation is effected using an array of four aft-facing synthetic jet modules through narrow, azimuthally-segmented slots that are equally distributed around the perimeter of the tail end. The model is supported by eight wires, each including a miniature inline force transducer for measurements of the time-resolved tension. The model’s position is varied in a prescribed trajectory by synchronous activation of shape memory alloy (SMA) segments in each of the mounting wires, and the aerodynamic forces and moments are manipulated over a range of pitch attitude. The effectiveness of the flow control approach is demonstrated by decoupling of the wake response from the body’s pitch motion at a low pitch frequency (k=0.013). It is shown that, under the active control, the wake symmetry can be restored or its asymmetry can be amplified.