Advancements in flow control using plasma actuators: a comprehensive review

Abstract The practical challenges related to aerodynamics, such as transition delay, drag reduction, lift enhancement, turbulence management, and flow separation delay, have led to an increasing the application of plasma actuators in aeronautics for flow control. The significance of plasma actuators in these applications arises from their unique characteristics, including the absence of moving parts, lower mass compared to traditional devices like vortex generators, slats, and flaps, and rapid response. For over a decade, the term ‘plasma’ actuator has played a crucial role in discussions regarding flow control in fluid dynamics. In particular, mechanisms utilizing Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) have demonstrated effectiveness in controlling airflow at atmospheric pressure. These actuators produce a vector field of body force that interacts with the momentum of the external flow, enabling effective flow control. With advanced designs and an improved understanding of the underlying physics, plasma actuators demonstrate effectiveness not only at low speeds but also at supersonic, transonic, and high subsonic Mach numbers. Considering these advancements, a thorough review of plasma actuator models was conducted, formulating governing equations with insights drawn from existing literature. The assessment of the effectiveness of DBD plasma actuator involved discussions exploring its performance in both streamline and bluff body applications. Additionally, deliberations included an exploration of the most suitable mode for transonic and supersonic flow, particularly in the context of nanosecond dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators. The review extended to cutting-edge plasma actuators, including plasma synthetic jet actuators, plasma flaps, and plasma vortex generators, providing insights into their advancements and applications.