Nanosecond Pulsed Plasma Flow Control: Progress and Problems

Abstract

Plasma flow control is a novel method of active flow control using plasma aerodynamic actuation based on plasma motion in the electromagnetic field, or temperature and air pressure rise during gas discharge. Nanosecond pulsed plasma flow control is a hot topic in this field due to its higher control authority and lower power consumption. In this paper, progress and problems of nanosecond pulsed plasma flow control using both dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) actuation and plasma synthetic jet (PSJ) actuation are reviewed. A coupled simulation model including discharge, plasma, and fluid motion was established to investigate the whole process of nanosecond pulsed plasma aerodynamic actuation. Ultrafast heating is the unique characteristic of nanosecond pulsed actuation due to much higher reduced electric field and electron density. Nanosecond pulsed DBD actuation can induce spanwise vortex and control the delta wing leading-edge separation effectively. Nanosecond pulsed PSJ actuation can induce strong pulsed jet, which can be used in supersonic flow control. In order to improve the control effect of nanosecond pulsed plasma aerodynamic actuation, further optimization of the actuation with higher strength is in strong demand. The coupling mechanism between plasma aerodynamic actuation and typical flow also needs further investigation.