DEPLOYABLE FLOW CONTROL DEVICE

摘要

A deployable flow control device for a flow surface (10) over which fluid having a fluid boundary layer flows which fluid boundary layer exhibits certain dynamics is disclosed. The deployable flow control device comprises a flow effector (20) which is movably attached to a housing (12) which is attachable, either initially or retrofitably, to a flow surface (10). The flow effector (20) is deployed into and retracted out of the boundary layer on the flow surface (10) and thereby controls the boundary dynamics. Devices (including devices utilizing a sealable, flexible element (60)) operably connect to the flow effector (20) and deploy and retract it. The sealable, flexible element (60) has two elastic states defined as quiescent and deformed such that, when the sealable, flexible element (60) is utilized, the flow effector (20) is deployed into and retracted out of the fluid boundary layer based upon the elastic state of the sealable, flexible element (60).