Swept shock wave/boundary layer interaction control based on surface arc plasma

Swept shock wave/boundary layer interactions occur widely in the internal and external flows of supersonic and hypersonic aircraft, which can seriously affect aircraft stability and engine intake efficiency. Based on the conventional S–A turbulence model, this study investigates surface arc plasma actuation for regulating swept shock wave/boundary layer interactions at Mach 2.95 to explore the ability and the three-dimensional shock wave/boundary layer interactions control method of plasma actuation. First, the flow control effect is explored in terms of indirect control by applying actuation in the upstream boundary layer or in front of the separation line, and in terms of direct control by applying actuation in the separation region. These three methods all achieve clear control effects. Control results show that the first method is more effective in regulating the wall pressure and friction coefficient and can improve the friction and heat transfer of the wall in a wide range of flow direction and cone direction. The second method is more effective in regulating separated shock waves. The third aspect is more effective in regulating the reattachment region. The associated control mechanisms are then refined. The control effects of the first control method depend on the transmission of vortices, those of the second are based on the virtual surface generated by actuation, and those of the third rely on energy injection. Finally, the application scenarios of the different control methods are determined according to the flow control requirements of aircraft and the corresponding control mechanisms. This study provides a reference method for solving more complex three-dimensional shock boundary layer interaction problems.