Direct numerical simulation of drag reduction by spanwise oscillating dielectric barrier discharge plasma force

Abstract

DBD (dielectric barrier discharge) plasma actuators have in recent years become increasingly attractive in studies of flow control due to their light structures and easy implementation, but the design of a series of actuators enabling drag reduction depends on many parameters (e.g., the length of the actuator, the space between actuators, and voltage applied) and remains a significant issue to address. In this study, velocities created by the DBD plasma actuators in stagnant flow obtained by the numerical model are compared with experimental results. Then, a DNS study is carried on, and spanwise oscillated DBD plasma actuators are examined to obtain a drag reduction in a fully developed turbulent channel flow. This study connects the conventional spanwise oscillated force in drag reduction studies with DBD plasma actuators. While the former is one of the most successful applications for the drag reduction, the latter is a most promising tool with its light and feasible structure.