A Review on the Aerodynamic Flow Control Techniques: Progress and Challenges

Abstract

Aerodynamic flow control is an essential requirement for the airplane designers to achieve the minimum drag coefficient at different flight missions. A comprehensive review is focused in this article to provide the detailed insights about the works carried out by Aerodynamists on flow control. This flow control is the key parameter associated with flow separation, flow reattachment, boundary layer separation, lift enhancement, and drag reduction in the field of aerodynamics as well as hydrodynamics. The specific areas or components where the flow control is essential are known as the wings and tails of airplanes, compressors and turbines of jet engines, fans and blowers. Flow over an aerodynamic surface has to be attached at higher angles of attack such that it increases the operational efficiency of flight vehicles. The primary goal of the aviation field in twenty first century is to develop the greener technologies and it can be achieved by advanced structural materials, efficient propulsion systems, and most importantly through enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. The presented review paper provides deep insights of various passive and active flow control techniques which are mainly associated with the enhancement of aerodynamic efficiency at different flight missions.