Ronald E. McNair Program


Tamara Crawford
  SCHOOL:  The University of Mississippi
  MAJOR:  Mechanical Engineering
  MENTOR: Dr. Sumon K. Sinha
  EXPECTED GRADUATION DATE:  May 2002
  ORGANIZATIONS & HONORS
  • Dean’s List Scholar
  • Lamba Sigma
  • Rebels With A Cause
  • Greeks Educating About Responsibility (G.E.A.R.)
  • MAMP and IMAGE Program
  • National Society of Black Engineers, Secretary
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
  email:  tycrawfo@olemiss.edu

 
 

ABSTRACT

The Effects of Micro-Adaptive Flow Control Over Rotor Blades


Flow separation control is an integral part of controlling the boundary layer of numerous aerodynamic devices.  Presently there are devices known as transducers, which are available to aid in flow separation control.  The transducer employs thin conductive strips of the same height to transmit vibrations over Mylar film.  This is done in an effort to alter the boundary layer.  Although some results have been achieved in the modification of a steady boundary layer flow, the obstacle of yielding repeatable results on pitching airfoils is still prevalent.  After further analyses of the device, the transducer was redesigned.  The modified transducer now has a fixed number of high and low strips which alternate throughout the array.  Additionally, the Mylar membrane is pre-tensioned to prevent wrinkles on the outer surface, which if left done, could lead to inconsistent and undesired effects.  These changes produce better control of membrane vibration.  Tests conducted via wind tunnels using the modified transducer produced repeatable and improved results for flow separation control on a NACA-0012 airfoil.  Once further research has been conducted, the modified transducer could propel aerodynamic studies to the next level.