Micro Plasma Actuator Location Effect on Complex Fluidic Behavior: An Optimization Study

TL;DR

This paper uses optimization techniques to determine the best placement of a plasma actuator on curved surfaces, revealing optimal positions vary with aerodynamic conditions and proposing a mathematical model for location prediction.

Contribution

It introduces an optimization framework combining Differential Evolution and an improved electrostatic model to identify optimal plasma actuator placement on curved surfaces.

Findings

Optimal placement is 2-4% of chord length from leading edge.

Optimal position depends on aerodynamic conditions and angle of attack.

A mathematical pattern describes the optimal location across different geometries.

Abstract

This study employs optimization techniques to enhance the positioning of a dielectric-barrier-discharge plasma actuator on a curved surface, taking into account diverse aerodynamic and physical scenarios. The optimization methodology utilized here is Differential Evolution (DE), complemented by an improved electrostatic model for solving electrostatic equations. In this electrostatic model, two elliptic equations, governing electrical potential and plasma density, are independently resolved, and their solutions are subsequently incorporated as source terms within the Navier-Stokes equations. Notably, contrary to prior research suggesting the placement of the plasma actuator at the leading edge of the airfoil, our findings reveal that the optimal position for plasma actuation falls within the range of 2 to 4 percent of the chord length from the leading edge, contingent upon the prevailing aerodynamic conditions. Furthermore, we elucidate a mathematical pattern in the optimization data across a continuous domain, applicable to various geometries and designs. This mathematical model articulates the optimal location as a complex function, dependent on both the linear Reynolds effect and the angular impact of the angle of attack.