Multi-domain coupling numerical simulation of micro piezoelectric synthetic jet

The design and simulation of a synthetic jet actuator play a crucial role in the optimization of its performance parameters. Due to the fact that there exist simplification errors in current analysis models of the synthetic jet actuator in establishing a physical model, which leads to decreasing of the accuracy in simulation, a multiple-domain coupling analysis model is proposed for the synthetic jet actuator. With the piezoelectric coupled elements in the finite element analysis software ANSYS, the piezoelectric vibrator involved in the direct coupling of the structural and electric fields is analyzed. Through the interface between ANSYS and CFX, the synchronized bidirectional coupling of the structural and flow fields is achieved, and the simulation of the real working process of the piezoelectric synthetic jet actuator is realized. Based on this model, the formation of the synthetic jet is simulated and the influences of voltage amplitude and geometrical parameters on synthetic velo-city are investigated. The results show that the multiple-domain coupling analysis model can simulate the formation of synthetic jet accurately, and the simulation results agree well with experiment data, with an relative error of less than 8%. This multiple-domain coupling analysis model may provide theoretical foundations for the experimental parameter determination and the optimal design of synthetic jet actuators.