Low-reynolds number flow control using dielectric barrier discharge actuators

Dielectric Barrier Discharges (DBD), operated at KHz and KV range, can create athermal plasma via collision processes and induce near wall jet. In this paper, we investigate the potential of using DBD to conduct flow control at low Reynolds numbers, motivated by micro air vehicle (MAV) applications. A previously developed computational methodology, based on the e ^N transition model and the k-ω turbulence closure is adopted. The effects of actuators on the flow fields are represented with a body force model in the momentum equations. The flow control over an airfoil SD7003 at the chord Reynolds number of 6×10 ⁴ is the focus of the present study. Specifically, we investigate both co-flow and counter-flow actuation strategies. The co-flow approach offers momentum enhancement via favorable pressure gradient in the near wall region while the counter flow approach can trigger earlier separation and transition by introducing adverse pressure gradients. The aerodynamic performance including lift and drag coefficients over a broad range of angle of attack (4 ⁰-18 ⁰) is studied, showing that improved lift and drag characteristics can be realized with DBD concepts for low Reynolds number aerodynamics.