Optimal Dual DBD Plasma Actuator for Boundary Layer Turbulence Control

Active flow control using Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma actuators offers a promising approach to mitigate flow separation in aerodynamic surfaces. This paper presents a systematic investigation into the optimal placement of dual plasma actuators to control boundary layer turbulence and enhance lift on a NACA ۰۰۱۸ airfoil at a high angle of attack (𝛼= ۲۰ ∘). A high-fidelity numerical framework was developed using ANSYS Fluent, employing a 𝑘−𝜔SST turbulence model and a momentum-injection User-Defined Function (UDF) to simulate the plasma effect. The study first characterizes the sensitivity of single-actuator performance to spatial positioning along the suction side. Subsequent optimization of a dual-actuator configuration reveals that strategically coupled actuation can induce synergistic effects, significantly delaying separation and maximizing lift recovery beyond the additive capabilities of individual actuators. The findings underscore the critical role of spatial optimization in managing complex flow-field interactions, providing key insights for the design of next-generation active flow control systems for aerospace applications.

کلیدواژه ها:

Dual plasma actuator ، flow control ، boundary layer ، lift force