Numerical investigation on the efficiency of a plasma actuator for turbine applications

Graham Bell, Hideaki Ogawa, Simon Watkins

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Plasma actuators are all electrical devices capable of altering flow paths and preventing separated boundary layers. The application to low pressure turbine stages in axial turbine engines offers further fuel eficiency improvements at low Reynolds numbers. Validated against wind-tunnel experiments, a numerical plasma model via steady-state RANS tur- bulence modeling simulations was developed. Reasonable agreement has been observed in the calibration of the numerical plasma model to experimental data. Further parametric studies are considered, aiming to optimize control, reduce pressure loss for turbine stages, and offset actuator power consumption. Results indicate that optimum flow control and positioning can prevent flow separation, reducing aerodynamic drag by 70% and offset power consumption inclusive of the actuator by up to 20 ± 4 %.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624103438
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, 2015 - Kissimmee, United States
Duration: Jan 5 2015Jan 9 2015

Publication series

Name53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting

Other

Other53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityKissimmee
Period1/5/151/9/15

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering

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