Study of Electro-Pneumatic Interface Based on Acoustic Laminar to Turbulent Transition

Abstract

Thanks to the development of piezoelectric materials able to realize high efficiency vibration generators, it is now possible to develop interface devices between low power electric signals and pneumatic signals, based on the phenomenon of laminar to turbulent transition of air jets. Aim of this work is the study of such kind of devices, particularly oriented to the use of electro-acoustic signals. The paper describes a study carried out on a particular experimental device which allowed to identify the influence of various geometric parameters on the transition effect. A campaign of tests has been completed aimed to a dimensional optimisation of the device. The possible utilisation of the device as interface element for control of pneumatic valves has been considered. KEYWORDSElectro-pneumatic interface; low electric power interface; laminar-turbulent amplifier.

Acoustically driven turbulence amplifier for pneumatic valves control

“…3 shows output pressure (p O ) versus Reynolds number (Re) for some of the tests performed. Results were compared to those previously obtained on a circular section device (emitter and receiver nozzles diameter 0.5 mm) [23].…”