Rapid control of force/momentum on a model ramp by quasi-DC plasma

Abstract

Abstract The results of experimental and computational studies are considered on a near surface electric discharge effect on supersonic airflow near a 15° compression surface. The tests were performed at Mach number M = 2, stagnation pressure P 0 = 1–2.8 bar, stagnation temperature T 0 = 290–600 K, and plasma power W pl = 6–12 kW. They demonstrated a significant effect of plasma on the flow structure and reduction of static pressure on the compression surface. Transient phenomena were analyzed and it was found that the pressure decrease on the ramp was as fast as t < 0.3 ms. Simulations based on 3D unsteady Navier–Stokes equations with plasma modeled as an array of lengthwise heat sources demonstrated adequacy of such simplifications. Further simulations attempted to find an optimal range of plasma power and position in terms of achievable effect, effectiveness of the method, and response time of the system to the plasma actuation. The electric discharge authority for a fast and effective control of aerodynamic forces in a compression ramp configuration is considered.