Skin-friction reduction with opposite-charged dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators

Journal article, 2025

This study explores the potential of oppositely charged dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators to reduce skin friction in turbulent channel flow by generating wall-normal plasma jets. Leveraging the lightweight structure of electrodes, this technique presents a promising approach to minimizing aerodynamic drag on moving surfaces. A plasma force is applied to the bottom wall of the channel, targeting the suppression of organized flow structures inherent to turbulence. The investigation is conducted at a frictional Reynolds number Reτ=180 using Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS), providing a detailed assessment of flow dynamics. The results demonstrate that wall-normal plasma jets, induced by spanwise-aligned actuators, achieve a modest reduction in skin friction drag, approximately 4%. This reduction highlights the viability of the method while underscoring the need for parameter optimization to enhance its effectiveness. The study provides insights into the mechanisms of drag reduction, emphasizing the influence of the plasma jet on turbulent structures. Future research is encouraged to refine actuator configurations and operating parameters to realize greater aerodynamic efficiency.