New generation of synthetic jet actuators

The development of Synthetic Jet Actuators (SAJ) is discussed. A synthetic jet actuators is a zero net mass flux device, which is composed of an exit slot (or orifice) and a diaphragm (or double diaphragms) mounted to enhance a volume of fluid in a cavity. These actuators have many potential applications such as jet vectoring, boundary-layer control, combustion control, and micro-pumps. Piezoelectric (PZT) diaphragms are used in most mini- or micro SJAs because of their size, rapid time response, and relatively low power consumption. The PZT-driven SJA also fits within the microelectromechanical system(MEMS) discipline and can be coupled with MEMS sensors, control and logic electronics into a single lightweight and compact device. The pressure loading limits to obtain a small deflection of the PZT diaphragm on the existing SJA requires a high power to drive the PZT-diaphragm when the pressure differential between the base flow and the environment is large.