Modeling of Dielectric-Barrier Discharge Actuator: Implementation, validation and generalization of an electrostatic model

Currently, one of the most promising active ow control device is the Dielectric-Barrier Discharge (DBD) actuator. Therefore, Delft University of Technology seeks to construct a model of this plasma actuator for use with CFD. The advantages of having a plasma actuator model for CFD purposes is clear: It facilitates the prediction of flows over different configurations and ow properties of interest for aerospace purposes. There are currently two groups of plasma actuator models: Simplified models and First-principles based models. Although the First-principles based models are more accurate than simplified models, they are more complex and therefore computationally intensive. Because this is the first attempt at Delft University of Technology for the implementation of a plasma actuator model, simplicity is an essential starting point. The simplified model of Suzen & Huang is simple, fast and easy to implement and is therefore the first model considered. The implementation is done in the commercial CFD-software Fluent, by using the User-Deffined Scalar transport equations (UDS). Two separate UDSs are computed: one for the electric potential and one for the net charge density c. The code is verified by means of the Method of Manufactured Solutions. The code is validated by comparison with the results obtained from the model of Suzen & Huang. The electric potential field, net charge density field and the corresponding body force field proved, although with minor differences, to be accurately modeled. The resulting ow field in quiescent air was qualitatively correct, however differences were found in the results obtained by Suzen & Huang and the results of the current simulation.
Aerospace Engineering