Apparatus and system for drag reduction

Abstract

An apparatus and system for combining aerodynamic design with engine power to increase synergy between the two and increase climb performance, engine-out performance, and fuel efficiency for a variety of aircraft or the like.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for providing modified fluid flow, comprising:
 a cover, said cover comprising a plurality of trailing edges, said cover defining a cavity within the cover, said cover having a shape configured to stimulate flow impingement on a trailing edge in the plurality of trailing edges; and   a covered body, said covered body disposed within the cavity;   wherein the cover further comprises a flow driving mechanism disposed on the trailing edge in the plurality of trailing edges, the flow driving mechanism comprising a suction mechanism configured to remove a portion of the boundary layer fluid flowing over the cover;   wherein the cover further comprises a control surface; and   wherein the flow driving mechanism is configured to remove a variable portion of the boundary layer fluid flowing over the body in response to an adjustment in a flow condition of the flow modifying system.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the suction mechanism is a suction slot defined on the cover and positioned substantially near the plurality of trailing edges. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the suction mechanism is a suction pump. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the system further comprises a windmill turbine system electrically coupled to the suction pump. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the suction mechanism comprises a suction pump disposed in a suction slot. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the suction mechanism is provided at a base of the trailing edge. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the trailing edge is a concave portion of the cover originating from a convex portion of the cover, and wherein the suction mechanism is placed on the trailing edge proximate to a transition point between the concave portion of the cover and the convex portion of the cover. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustment in the flow condition of the flow modifying system comprises an adjustment in a boundary layer size of the boundary layer fluid; and
 wherein the flow driving mechanism is configured to remove the variable portion of the boundary layer fluid by adjusting a size of a portion of the boundary layer fluid that is sucked through the suction mechanism.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the adjustment in the flow condition of the flow modifying system comprises an adjustment in angle of attack. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the covered body is completely surrounded by the cover. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the covered body is disposed within the cavity and a portion of the covered body is exposed to the fluid flow. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a position of the cover relative to the covered body is adjustable. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the cover is coupled to the covered body by a plurality of fasteners. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a position of the control surface is rotatable. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of trailing edges include at least one concave trailing edge on a first surface of the cover, and at least one concave trailing edge on a second surface of the cover, wherein the first surface and the second surface are on opposite sides of the covered body. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of trailing edges form an aerospike shape. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of trailing edges include a plurality of successive trailing edges on a first surface of the cover. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the plurality of trailing edges form a plurality of successive steps. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus for providing modified fluid flow, comprising:
 a cover, said cover comprising a plurality of trailing edges, said cover defining a cavity within the cover, said cavity adapted to accommodate a covered body disposed within the cavity, said cover having a shape configured to stimulate flow impingement on a trailing edge in the plurality of trailing edges; and   wherein the cover further comprises a flow driving mechanism disposed on the trailing edge in the plurality of trailing edges, the flow driving mechanism comprising a suction mechanism configured to remove a portion of the boundary layer fluid flowing over the cover;   wherein the cover further comprises a control surface; and   wherein the flow driving mechanism is configured to remove a variable portion of the boundary layer fluid flowing over the body in response to an adjustment in a flow condition of the flow modifying system.   
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the cover is couplable to the covered body via a plurality of fasteners.