Numerical investigation of DBD plasma actuation for flow control in a low-pressure turbine cascade
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2025
Abstract
As an active flow control technique, the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuation was deployed to reduce aerodynamic losses and improve the efficiency of the low-pressure turbine. The plasma actuator was innovatively adeptly positioned at the aft segment of the suction side, 92%Cax from the leading edge of the cascade. Using the transition SST four-equation model facilitated a comprehensive assessment of plasma actuation's impact on the flow dynamics across varying voltages. The results revealed that plasma actuation favorably diminishes the total pressure loss of turbine cascade, reaching its maximum as the applied voltage surpasses 15 kV. The main reason is the strength of trailing vortex, and the boundary layer separation is greatly suppressed. As voltage application escalates, both the recirculation area and the separation bubble diminish progressively. Engaging the plasma actuator with an applied voltage of 15 kV results in a substantial decrease in total pressure loss at the cascade outlet by 34% relative to the baseline case, nearly eliminating the boundary layer separation. This reduction in separation bubble magnitude lessens its interplay between the passage vortex and separation bubble. Consequent alterations in the outlet flow angle induce an ascension of the vortices, coincidentally shifting them proximate to the suction surface within the wake zone.
Keywords
Low-pressure turbine, Active flow control, Plasma actuator, Boundary layer separation, Total pressure loss
Divisions
biomedengine
Funders
Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (ZR2020QE190)
Publication Title
Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering
Volume
47
Issue
2
Publisher
Springer Verlag (Germany)
Publisher Location
TIERGARTENSTRASSE 17, D-69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY