Two-Stage Fluidic Valve With SparkJet Actuation for Flow Control

Abstract This paper describes the experimental characterization of a no-moving-parts, plasma-switched, two-stage, fluidic vortex valve capable of throttling Mach-0.85 air-flow at 5 bar. In the first stage, a sparkjet is used to switch a pilot fluidic diverter that, in turn, drives a switched vortex valve. Steady-state and transient operation are characterized experimentally, achieving a turn-down ratio of 2.6. The traditional input characterization is revisited using a two-input approach that highlights the need for additional measurements to ensure the correct prediction of the operating point in a two-stage system.