Ferrofluid moving thin films for active flow control

Ferrofluid moving thin films and their possible significance with regard to active flow control for lift and attack angle enhancement are discussed. In this strategy, a very thin film of ferrofluid is strongly attached at the wall of the wing by a normal magnetic field from below and pumped tangentially along the wing. Utilizing a simplified physical model and from the available experimental data on moving walls, the expected lift enhancement and effect on the attack angle were assessed. Additional research and design is required in order to explore the possibilities in the use of ferrofluid moving thin films.