Nanosecond pulsed discharge plasma actuation: characteristics and flow control performance

Abstract

Nanosecond pulsed discharge plasma actuation is a novel method for high speed flow control. This paper provides an overview of our recent progress in the characteristics and flow control performance of nanosecond pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (NPDBD) plasma actuation. Both plasma and induced flow characteristics were investigated through optical emission spectroscopy, high speed schlieren, PIV and other methods. A twodimensional plasma-fluid coupled model was established to reveal the plasma evolution, fast heating and fluid responses from nanoseconds to seconds. At subsonic conditions, NPDBD plasma actuation is effective in controlling airfoil/wing leading edge flow separation and cascade corner separation. At supersonic conditions, the effect of NPDBD plasma actuation on shock wave/boundary layer interaction is very tiny, which needs further investigation and optimization.