Numerical simulation of the flow around a square cylinder under plasma actuator control

Navier–Stokes computations are performed, and detailed results are documented on the vortex shedding, lift and drag fluctuations, and their spectra for flow past a square cylinder with the Reynolds number ranging from 1 to 300. A body force model for the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator is used in the Navier–Stokes computations to study the effectiveness of flow control by a pair of the DBD actuators. Three installation configurations of the actuators are investigated. The effects of the actuator location, actuator input power, and the flow Reynolds number are studied. In the first case, two actuators have been installed on the top and bottom of the cylinder. In the second case, two actuators are installed on the front surface. In the last case, two actuators are installed on the rear surface. It is discovered that the best flow control effect is achieved in the last case. Both the unsteady vortex shedding and the average drag can be significantly reduced by the plasma actuators. Under best conditions, the vortex shedding in the wake can be completely suppressed.