On the virtual aeroshaping effect of synthetic jets

The ability of synthetic jets to form large mean recirculation zones in a crossflow is investigated using numerical simulations. It has been suggested that this so-called virtual aeroshaping effect is one mechanism through which synthetic jets affect separation reduction. Here the interaction of a two-dimensional synthetic jet with a flat-plate Blasius boundary layer is simulated and we examine the effect that key flow parameters have on the formation of these mean recirculation zones. The current simulations also suggest a simple scaling for this effect which could prove useful in the design and deployment of these devices. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.