LaFloDeS

Important results from the project

The purpose of LaFloDeS has been to improve knowledge and methodology for the investigation of surface imperfections such as steps, gaps and surface waviness as well as for active flow control for aircraft wings. The goal has been to produce a methodology for the analysis of surface accuracy on wings as well as a flow control concept, as both can contribute to improved flow quality and thereby reduced drag and emmissions. Increased knowledge and understanding of surface imperfections has been achieved and there is methodology for both analysis of surface accuracy and active flow control.

Expected long term effects

The result from LaFloDeS consists of two parts, a methodology for analysis of surface imperfections that can be used to analyze the geometry of wings for different flight cases and thereby produce surface accuracy requirements for these wings, and a methodology for regulating flow control in an active way to dampen fluctuations in the boundary layer and thereby delay the transition to turbulent flow. Both of these parts are expected to contribute to improved flow quality and thereby reduced aerodnamic drag and reduced fuel consumption, which reduces the environmental impact of flying.

Approach and implementation

This project is a collaboration between Sweden and Brazil. On the Swedish side, the project has been led by Saab with KTH as Swedish partner and on the Brazilian side, ITA has led the work with USP as partner. The project has been divided into four work packages. WP1 for project management, WP2 for analysis of surface accuracy, WP3 for active flow control and WP4 for analysis of the results. The project has also had KTH´s professorship at ITA as an important part of the collaboration. Doctoral students from both countries have visited each other and carried out studies and research together.