Plasma actuated vortex generators

摘要

To delay, reduce or prevent laminar and/or turbulent boundary layer separation a plurality of spaced-apart vortex generators (10a, 10b) have a plasma actuator (22) distributed amongst them. The plasma actuator (22) includes a first electrode (24) carried by the first vortex generator (10a), and a second electrode (26) carried by the second vortex generator (10b) in a location downstream of the first electrode, both electrodes being preferably carried by the inboard surfaces of the respective vortex generators. In other embodiments additional electrodes may be provided in the respective vortex generators (10a, 10b) and/or in a body surface on which the vortex generators are disposed. The plasma actuator (22) is configured to generate an electric field between the vortex generators (10a, 10b) and to induce fluid flow from one of the vortex generators to another of the vortex generators across a space between them. The plasma actuator is typically an AC dielectric barrier discharge device or a DC ion wind device.