Technology for improving aerodynamic performance via boundary layer control

Experts say that aircraft CO₂ emissions currently equate to around 2% of all the emissions that humans generate, highlighting an environmental burden that is bound to grow into an even more pressing issue as aviation demand continues to climb (to twice or three times its current levels over the course of the next 20 years). The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has laid out a goal of reducing CO₂ emissions by 2% every year, while the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set forth an ambitious target - cutting net CO₂ emissions in half by 2050 compared to 2005. Across the world, organizations are beginning to take action in pursuit of these objectives.

JAXA is hoping to reduce CO₂ emissions by developing component technologies that help improve the aerodynamic performance of aircraft.

To do so, JAXA will focus its research on:

1. Using technology for analyzing boundary layer receptivity to enable analyses of how disturbances affect boundary layer transitions, thereby allowing for more freedom in the design of wing models, etc., by establishing methods for delaying and accelerating transitions; and
2. Making it possible to delay separation and improve pressure restoration by controlling boundary layer profiles in turbulent boundary layers, two abilities that will expand the range of high-MDD wing models, high-aspect-ratio wing plane models, and intake ducts that designers can create.