Patent ID: 6079345
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: B63B,B64C,Y02T

Abstract:
Apparatus for controlling flow of a conductive fluid over a control surface comprising:a matrix of electrodes spread over the control surface;means for biasing selected electrodes in a multiplicity of pairs so that two of the electrodes within the matrix of electrodes function as an electrode pair, with each electrode pair having an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, and so that an electrical current flows from the anode electrode of each electrode pair through the conductive fluid to the cathode electrode of the electrode pair;means for generating a magnetic field having magnetic flux lines substantially orthogonal to the electrical current flowing through the conductive fluid between the anode and cathode electrodes;whereby a Lorentz force orthogonal to both the electrical current and magnetic flux lines and substantially normal to the control surface is created, which Lorentz force affects the flow of the conductive fluid over the control surface;wherein the biasing means includes means for time multiplexing the electrical current to assure a pattern of Lorentz forces that create a vortex wavefront that is substantially perpendicular to a direction of flow of said conductive fluid, said wavefront also propagating in a direction substantially parallel to said direction of flow, thereby affecting the flow of the conductive fluid over the control surface in a desired manner.