Simulation of Synthetic Jets in the context of Controlling Separated Flows

A synthetic jet is formed as a consequence of a periodic – say sinusoidal – expulsion and extraction of fluid through an orifice, so that the time-averaged flow rate through the orifice is zero. Despite the zero mean mass flux, the sequence of injection followed by suction results in net momentum and vorticity being released into the fluid body in which the jet is generated. This is, essentially, a consequence of the „asymmetry‟ in the flow induced at the orifice during the injection and suction strokes and hence differences in the properties of the fluid being injected and extracted.