Fluid Oscillators as Effective Pneumatic Valves or Flow Control Devices
Fluid oscillators are pneumatic valves or flow control valve systems based on the bi-stable states of a jet of fluid inside a specially designed flow chamber. Fluid oscillators are mostly found in the aerospace industry and always involve constant improvement in performance and fuel efficiency.
Also called sweeping jet actuators or flip flop oscillators, these flow control fluid oscillators work by being embedded directly into the control surface of an aircraft wing or turbine blade. The whole system then generates spatially oscillating bursts or jets of fluid to improve flow characteristics by enhancing lift, reducing drag, or enhancing heat transfer.
Recent NASA Improvement
A recent NASA study and development has created a new type of fluid oscillator with a 60% enhanced performance. NASA actually offers two new fluid oscillator designs that solve two key problems and limitations usual with oscillators. First, one oscillator effectively decouples the oscillation frequency from the amplitude. The second design enables synchronisation of an entire array. These new oscillators have no oscillation moving parts (except for the vital pneumatic valves). Synchronisation and decoupling are achieved through internal flow dynamics.
Applications of Fluid Oscillators
As flow control devices, fluid oscillators can be used in the following applications:
- Aerospace – Used for aircraft and selected types of space vehicles, particularly for mixing and drag reduction, lift enhancement, and separation control.
- Commercial spa equipment – Improves nozzle performance.
- Gas turbines – Separation control and heat transfer enhancement.
- Shipbuilding – Flow control.
Flow Control Technology
Oscillators in general – including the ones developed at NASA – are flow control devices based on novel geometric designs. They have little moving parts and produce spatially oscillating jets.
Decoupling frequency and amplitude
Oscillators in the past were limited since the frequency of oscillation is controlled by input pressure or mass flow rate. Frequency and amplitude or mass flow rate are coupled, limiting control authority over oscillators. The new NASA oscillator design decouples the frequency. The decoupled oscillator delivers high or low mass flow rates without changing frequency.
Synchronising oscillator jet array
Oscillators in the past oscillate randomly. While this is good for mixing enhancement, the new synchronised flow system is more beneficial for active flow control applications. The new synchronisation system also uses far less mechanical and other moving parts.
Master Mac 2000
The importance of flow control valve systems or pneumatic valves in the aerospace industry also shows the importance of valves in all types of industries and applications, whether for general or heavy use. This is why when Master Mac 2000 was established in 1989, as the company grew to become one of Australia’s largest privately-owned process valve and pneumatic component distributors, the company continued to distribute valves of high-quality brands like Univer and Tolomatic. Give Master Mac 2000 a call today at 07 3344 4711 for your valves and other needs. You can also visit their website at https://mastermac2000.com.au/.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
- Decades of expertise in pneumatics & process automation
- Carefully curated selection of world-class brands
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About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.