Numerical Investigations of Synthetic Jet Control Effects on Iced Airfoils

Based on the numerical method, the effects of synthetic jet control (SJC) on the aerodynamic characteristics of iced airfoils are systematically analyzed for the first time. First, an analysis method for the airfoil flowfield under SJC in icing conditions is developed, which contains the CFD method, the icing prediction method, and the boundary conditions of the synthetic jet. Then, the variation in the aerodynamic characteristics of different iced airfoils under the SJC are analyzed, and the flow separation near the ice shape is discussed in detail. Finally, parameters, such as the jet position and angle, are quantified, and conclusions are obtained. The synthetic jet can reduce the separation area on the upper surface induced by the ice accretion. When the energy of the jet is sufficient, it interacts with the mainstream, reducing the separation vortex downstream of the jet orifice and greatly improving the aerodynamic characteristics of the iced airfoil. These results provide valuable insights for the application of synthetic jet technology in mitigating the adverse effects of ice accretion on the airfoil’s aerodynamic characteristics.