Dynamics Simulation of Water Droplet with Plasma Actuation Based on OpenFoam

Abstract

The anti-/de-icing method based on Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge plasma actuation driven by AC high-voltage signal has no complex mechanical structure and potential aerodynamic loss, which makes it a potential anti-/de-icing method for the next generation of aircraft. The existing research shows that the coupling of multiple physical fields causes the effect of plasma actuation on supercooled water droplets. Meanwhile, this effect occurs in different time scales, which is challenging for its research. In this research, the VOF algorithm in OpenFOAM is used to simulate and analyze the dynamic process of water droplets on the actuator. The results are verified through experiments. This is of great significance for exploring the anti-/de-icing mechanism of plasma actuation. By comparing the numerical results with the experimental results, it can be seen that the plasma actuation significantly affects the impact and spreading process of water droplets.