Shock wave-boundary layer interactions control by plasma aerodynamic actuation

This study demonstrates the potential for shock wave-boundary layer interaction control in air by plasma aerodynamic actuation. Experimental investigations on shock wave-boundary layer interactions control by plasma aerodynamic actuation are conducted in a Mach 3 in-draft air tunnel. Schlieren imaging shows that the discharges cause the oblique shock to move forward. Schlieren imaging and static pressure probes also show that separation phenomenon shifts backward and the size of separation is enlarged when plasma aerodynamic actuation is applied. The intensity of shock wave is weakened through wall pressure probe. Furthermore, numerical investigations on shock wave-boundary layer interactions control are conducted with plasma aerodynamic actuation. The discharge is modeled as a steady volumetric heat source which is integrated into the energy equation. The input energy level is about 7 kW through discharge process. Results show that the separation phenomenon shifts backward and the intensity of shock is reduced with plasma actuation. These numerical results are consistent with the experimental results.