Natural laminar-turbulent transition delay by dielectric barrier discharge

Abstract

The use dielectric barrier discharge for the delay of laminar turbulent transition excited by natural flow disturbances in a quiet wind-tunnel was investigated experimentally. Optimal electrodes location and the operational regime of high-voltage impulse generator provided maximal downstream shift of transition location were found. It was demonstrated that the 10% increase of the laminar part of boundary layer can be obtained using barrier discharge with the cross-flow electrodes. This gives up to 20% friction drag reduction.