Abstract: This article describes a new beveled synthetic jet (BSJ) actuator whose unsteady flow fields are measured by means of the particle image velocimetry (PIV). The instantaneous flow maps and ensemble-averaging flow fields are given. The flow structure of the BSJ is compared with that of a conventional synthetic jet. The results show that the energy and mass fluxes of fluid near the BSJ actuator are transferred horizontally along the wall. Furthermore, the physical mechanism of the formation of the BSJ and mass flux transfer are explained. Experiments of BSJ boundary layer flow control are conducted. It is shown that by changing the forcing frequency and amplitude of the BSJ actuator, the mean velocity profile of a flat plate boundary layer can be easily changed and makes it more “fuller” than if the jet is off. The characteristics of the BSJ actuator exhibit a potential to be applied to boundary layer separation delay control.

Key words: synthetic jet actuator, beveled orifice, cross mass flux transfer, boundary layer, flow control