Modeling Dielectric Barrier Discharge plasma actuators to be used for active flow control

Abstract: This Master Thesis work cover the simulation of the movement of charged species exposed to a high gradient electric field, the same environment a plasma actuator produces. The final goal is to use the plasma actuator as an active flow control device to decrease the drag of a body moving in air. This report describes how the problem was set up in COMSOL Multiphysics and the resulting volume force achieved. The volume force is the force generated by the plasma actuator that is acting on the air. To understand the effect of a plasma actuator better experimental work was also performed. The experimental work include what effect a plasma actuator has on a wing that has stalled out and measuring the air velocity obtained from a single plasma actuator. The conclusion is that more work has to be performed to make the plasma actuator a more effective flow control device. This type of work is a way to understand how plasma actuators work and in extension will lead to how a plasma actuator will be used effectively.