Characterization of the flowfield structure of an annular dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator

S. A. Craig, R. A. Humble, W. S. Saric

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The flowfield structure about annular dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators is studied under quiescent flow conditions using particle image velocimetry. These actuators are currently under investigation for use as spanwise-periodic discrete roughness elements for laminar flow control on swept wings in both the wind-tunnel and flight. Aperture diameters considered vary from 3mm to 7 mm. Additionally, an arrayed actuator of five 3 mm apertures is considered. A complex flowfield is found to be generated, which consists of two counter-rotating vortices accompanied by a wall-normal jet region. The flowfield structure is shown to be sensitive to aperture size and applied voltage. For the arrayed actuator, the vortices contract dramatically due to the interaction of adjacent vortices from neighboring apertures. This work is the first step towards understanding the physical mechanism(s) of plasma actuators as discrete roughness elements for laminar flow control on swept wings.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication41st AIAA Fluid Dynamics Conference and Exhibit
StatePublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event41st AIAA Fluid Dynamics Conference and Exhibit 2011 - Honolulu, HI, United States
Duration: Jun 27 2011Jun 30 2011

Publication series

Name41st AIAA Fluid Dynamics Conference and Exhibit

Other

Other41st AIAA Fluid Dynamics Conference and Exhibit 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHonolulu, HI
Period6/27/116/30/11

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

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