Numerical Modeling of a Dielectric Discharge Plasma Actuator Using Local Energy Approximation for Application to Flow Control

Abstract

The primary benefit of the DBD plasma actuator is its macroscopic stability, which makes it one of the most frequently cited plasma actuators in the academic literature.This study examined the potential of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators for flow control.The plasma actuator is composed of an exposed electrode, a covered electrode, and a dielectric layer that separates the electrodes.A parametric analysis was performed to explore the impact of macroscopic variables, such as pressure, applied voltage, and relative permittivity of the dielectric, on the transfer of momentum between particles affected by Coulomb forces.The results underscore the crucial influence of the dielectric material on ion velocity.The observed trend demonstrates a clear connection between the increase in the relative permittivity of the dielectric material and the corresponding increase in ion velocity.This emphasises the significant importance of choosing the correct dielectric material, particularly in situations where ion velocity is critical, such as in the precise regulation of airflow around an aerodynamic profile.