Abstract
The problem of transonic flow past an array of micro-electro-mechanical-type (MEMS-type) heating elements placed on a flat surface is investigated using the triple-deck theory. The compressible Navier-Stokes equations supplemented by the energy equation are considered for large Reynolds numbers. The triple-deck problem is formulated with the aid of the method of matched expansions. The resulting non-linear viscous lower deck problem coupled with the upper deck problem governed by the nonlinear Karman- Guderlay equation, is solved using a numerical method based on Chebyshev collocation and finite differences. Our results show the differences in subsonic and supersonic flow behaviour over heated elements. The results indicate a possibility of using the elements to favourably control the transonic flow field.