Improving the Performance of a Plasma Actuator Model for DBD and Multi-Encapsulated Electrode Actuators

摘要

Over the past dozen years, a substantial number of analytical, experimental, and computational research efforts have investigated the potential of plasma actuators in aerodynamics. Several phenomenological plasma actuator models have been successful at modeling certain aspects of flow in the vicinity of a DBD plasma actuator; however, achieving broad applicability of these models remains a challenge. In light of this, a numerical approach based on the Suzen-Huang (S-H) actuator model is being developed and applied over a range of DBD plasma actuators with different specifications, materials, and electrical inputs. Rather than testing the model at one particular set of circumstances, it is expected that simulating across a variety of conditions and a variety of outputs will better reveal the strengths and limitations of the modeling approach, and provide guideposts for improving the modeling techniques. While previous numerical simulations have shown that the magnitude and location of maximum induced horizontal velocities, as well as the temporal forcing can be captured with engineering accuracy, the vertical extent of the jet, as well as the vertical velocities are not well represented. An objective of this study is to more accurately model the vertical velocity distribution and the width of the jet within the S-H model for both traditional and multi encapsulated electrode (MEEDBD) plasma actuators.