CFD simulations of micro-adaptive flow control for a spinning projectiles

We describe a computational study undertaken to consider the aerodynamic effect of tiny synthetic jets as a means to provide the control authority needed to maneuver a projectile at low subsonic speeds. An advanced scalable Navier-Stokes computational technique has been used to obtain numerical solutions for the unsteady jet-interaction flow field for a spinning projectile at a subsonic speed at zero degree angle of attack. Unsteady numerical results show the effect of the jet on the flow field and surface pressures and, hence, on the aerodynamic coefficients. The unsteady jet is shown to substantially alter the flow field both near the jet and the base region of the projectile that in turn affects the forces and moments even at zero degree angle of attack. The results show the potential of CFD to provide insight into the jet interaction flow fields and provide guidance as to the locations and sizes of the jets to generate the maximum control authority for maneuvering smart munitions. These numerical results are being assessed to determine if synthetic jets can be used to provide the control authority needed to maneuver the projectile to hit its target with precision.