Flow control optimization in a jet engine serpentine inlet duct

Computational investigations were carried out on an advanced serpentine jet\nengine inlet duct to understand the development and propagation of secondary flow\nstructures. Computational analysis which went in tandem with experimental\ninvestigation was required to aid secondary flow control required for enhanced pressure\nrecovery and decreased distortion at the engine face. In the wake of earlier attempts with\nmodular fluidic actuators used for this study, efforts were directed towards optimizing\nthe actuator configurations. Backed by both computational and experimental resources,\nmany variations in the interaction of fluidic actuators with the mainstream flow were\nattempted in the hope of best controlling secondary flow formation. Over the length of\nthe studies, better understanding of the flow physics governing flow control for 3D\ncurved ducts was developed.\nBlowing tangentially, to the wall at the bends of the S-duct, proved extremely\neffective in enforcing active flow control. At practical jet momentum coefficients,\nsignificant improvements characterized by an improved pressure recove ry of 37% and a\ndecrease in distortion close to 90% were seen.