Pre Laminar Flow design and surface quality requirements (PreLaFloDeS)

Purpose and goal

This project is aimed at understanding the research questions of passive and active flow control a bit deeper before applying for the project called LaFloDeS (Laminar Flow Design and Surface quality requirements). It is also aimed at investigating surface quality requirements in terms of step/gaps and roughness for maintaining laminar flow on wings. Another important part of this project is to understand the process of setting up and executing collaboration projects between Sweden and Brazil.

Expected results and effects

Studies of wings with cavities and microstructures have been conducted in the part of the project that includes passive flow studies. For the active flow control, evaluation of plasma actuators has been performed. In addition, control algorithms have been investigated. An evaluation of the wind tunnel built by UPS in Brazil has been performed and found suitable for further study of passive as well as active laminar flow. Co-operation between Sweden and Brazil has worked well in this pilot project and is a good basis for future project applications.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was planned to run for one year, but was extended to almost two years. The division of four work packages has worked well. A number of meetings, both national and international, have been held. Doctoral students and professors from both countries have spent time in the other country. A combined half-time report for work packages 2 and 3 has been written and the final reports are awaiting approval. Discussions about holding workshops to spread knowledge from work package 4 are ongoing.