![](https://www.mae.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/mae/hero-about-mechanical-aerospace.jpg)
Piezoelectric synthetic jet actuators for active flow control
Research: Synthetic Jets for Active Flow Control
Sponsor: NASA
Faculty: C.S. Lynch
Research Scientist: S. Keller
Students: TBD
Partner: David Menicovitch, Actasys
Link to related work:
![](https://www.mae.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/mae/synthetic-jets-01.png)
![](https://www.mae.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/mae/synthetic-jets-02.jpg)
Computational modeling for optimization of active membranes used in synthetic jet actuators. Devices improve flow efficiency and reduce fuel cost.
Brief Description:
Synthetic jet actuators interfere with the boundary layer and can be used to reduce flow separation. This increased fuel efficiency.
Approach:
Develop computational models of membrane type actuators coupled to fluid in cavity. Predict jet formation. Validate models against experimental results.