Experimental Characterization of an Integrated Flow Control Method with Blowing and DBD Plasma Actuator

Abstract

Flow control is used in many aerodynamic applications that require additional energy/momentum for improved performance. Although flow control methods have been developed over many decades, the research to find t he best method for specific applications is still underway. To name a few, micro-satellite a ttitude control, wind turbine lift enhancement, aircraft landing gear flow control are important applications where conventional flow control methods are challenging. Among the most conventional methods, blowing and Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) Plasma actuators have been proven successful in wide aerodynamic applications. Blowing controls proven applicable in wide regime often require high pressure compressed air source and on the other hand plasma actuators are relatively simple and ease in constru ction proved to be an excellent tool in low speed flow control applications. To minimize the ne ed for complicated high-pressure source and to utilize the relatively simple plasma actuato rs, the current paper focused on developing an integrated flow control method by combining blowing and DBD Plasma actuators. The experiments were designed to compare the individual methods with equal strength blowing and plasma actuators and then comparing with the combined method. The momentum addition with the combined method was then compared with blowing only method and observed that the combined method was able to reduce 63% blowing ratio to produce identical effects. The performance of plasma actuators in low pressure was also experimentally observed. Finally, the integrated me thod was applied on NACA 0025 airfoil with blow placed at 25% x/C and plasma actuator at 25.5% x/C locations respectively. Windtunnel tests were performed at freestream velocities of 3 m/s and 4.5 m/s with airfoil angle set at 10 degree. Results indicated 110% incr ease in airfoil near wall velocities for 3m/s when integrated control was applied.