ORCID

0000-0002-0823-2872

Keywords

Piezoelectric valve, non-contact actuation

Abstract

Aeromechanical Identification Methodology (AIM) is an approach to measure damping in turbomachinery to identify and map flutter boundaries across various operating conditions. Previous approaches required entering, or nearly entering, flutter to produce a binary “flutter” / “no-flutter” boundary. AIM is significantly safer; however, it is limited by actuation authority and bandwidth. A non-contact, high-frequency, high-amplitude piezoelectric-based valve provides a promising solution to bridge these gaps. This valve operates by ejecting high-frequency oscillatory flow from a piezoelectric-based converging nozzle as a non-contact method of imparting a harmonic force. This valve has broad applications for high-frequency flow modulation beyond the motivating structural testing example.

Numerous interdependent parameters govern the proposed valve’s performance, and careful design selections can optimize performance to specific testing conditions and requirements. This thesis discusses the governing design parameters by examining its operating requirements, currently available products, performance data, and piezoelectric stack operating constraints. This thesis also proposes recommendations for alleviating constraints and identifying the best approaches for optimizing performance. Both analytical and empirical equations guide the model, and normalized multiphysics simulations validate the indicated behavior.

The model reveals increasing either the piezoelectric stack displacement or flow cross-sectional area linearly increases the mass flow rate variation. Simulations show that increasing the back pressure (below the valve head) reduces irregular flow and the compressive load on the actuator while maintaining the mass flow rate variation. The design considerations also indicate a decoupled pintle-piezoelectric stack valve provides the best approach to maximize authority and bandwidth while protecting the piezoelectric stack.

The model presents a valuable tool for scaling a piezoelectric-based flow valve depending on testing requirements. Design parameters include initial fluid conditions, supply pressure, choke point radial location, actuation frequency, stroke length, and back pressure. The model employs a generic valve geometry that researchers can optimize to meet specific flow requirements.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Fall

Committee Chair

Kauffman, Jeffrey

Degree

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (M.S.A.E.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Program

Aerospace Engineering: Space Systems Design and Engineering Track

Format

PDF

Identifier

DP0028990

Language

English

Release Date

12-15-2024

Access Status

Thesis

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

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