Vortex generation for control of the air flow along the surface of an airfoil

Apparatus for generating vortices to control the flow of air across a airfoil of an aircraft includes a series of pressure active regions arranged along the leading edge of the airfoil. The pressure active regions include spaced apart valves connected to a source of vacuum, a controller for activating the valves, and sensors for sensing air pressure. The controller is configured to activate the valves in response to the pressure sensed by the sensors, wherein the spaced apart valves are connected to a source of pressurized air as well as to the source of vacuum.
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Abstract/Description: Apparatus for generating vortices to control the flow of air across a airfoil of an aircraft includes a series of pressure active regions arranged along the leading edge of the airfoil. The pressure active regions include spaced apart valves connected to a source of vacuum, a controller for activating the valves, and sensors for sensing air pressure. The controller is configured to activate the valves in response to the pressure sensed by the sensors, wherein the spaced apart valves are connected to a source of pressurized air as well as to the source of vacuum.
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Date Issued: 2001-10-16