Physics and models for plasma synthetic jets

Abstract

Plasma synthetic jet (PSJ) actuators are mainly used in order to control high speed flows. The objective of this work is to get a better understanding of the arc created inside the actuator and of its interaction with the surrounding fresh gas which allows to transfer the required thermal energy to produce the jets. After an experimental characterisation of the system, a 2D axisymmetric EMHD solver has been developed to simulate the activity of a non-confined arc similar to the one generated inside the actuator cavity. The energy transfers are quantified and an estimation of the useful amount of the electrical energy to heat the gas is given. Therefore, this work gives an explanation to the important losses that have been observed both experimentally and by simplified energy deposition simulations.