Plasma-based base flow modification on swept-wing boundary layers: dependence on flow parameters

This work examines the control of cross-flow instabilities (CFIs) and laminar–turbulent transition on a swept wing, through the plasma-based base flow modification (BFM) technique. The effect of experimentally derived plasma body forces on the steady boundary layer base flow is explored through nume...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of fluid mechanics 2024-10, Vol.997, Article A13
Main Authors: Peng, K., Avallone, F., Kotsonis, M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Angle of attack
Base flow
Boundary layer stability
Boundary layer transition
Boundary layers
Cross flow
Flow alteration
Flow stability
Fluid dynamics
Fluid flow
Infrared imagery
Infrared imaging
JFM Papers
Laminar flow
Methods
Parameter modification
Parameters
Particle image velocimetry
Plasma
Reynolds number
Swept wings
Thermography
Topology
Turbulence
Turbulent flow
Vortices
Wavelength
Wind effects
Wind tunnels
Wings
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This work examines the control of cross-flow instabilities (CFIs) and laminar–turbulent transition on a swept wing, through the plasma-based base flow modification (BFM) technique. The effect of experimentally derived plasma body forces on the steady boundary layer base flow is explored through numerical simulations. Linear stability theory is subsequently used to predict the net BFM effect on CFIs. Based on these preliminary predictions, experiments are conducted in a low-turbulence wind tunnel where a spanwise-invariant plasma actuator is installed near the wing leading edge and operated at constant input voltage and frequency. Various flow parameters governing the plasma-based BFM technique are investigated, namely the Reynolds number, angle of attack and wavelength of excited stationary CFI modes. Stationary and travelling CFIs are quantified by planar particle image velocimetry while the transition topology and location are recorded by infrared thermography. The results confirm the stabilising effect of BFM on the swept-wing boundary layer. However, the plasma-based BFM is found to render the boundary layer more susceptible to travelling CFIs. In the presence of both net BFM effect and intrinsic plasma unsteady perturbations, the plasma-based BFM technique achieves transition delay with specific combinations of Reynolds number, angle of attack and wavelength of excited stationary CFI modes. The present findings provide insights into the fundamental principles of operating plasma actuators within the context of BFM control.
ISSN:0022-1120
1469-7645
DOI:10.1017/jfm.2024.714