Solver for Phenomenological Modeling of a DBD Using an Independent Domain Technique
Abstract
This paper introduces an OpenFOAM-based solver designed to simulate dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators, with the goal of enhancing flow prediction accuracy. The solver employs a two-domain approach: Domain 1 calculates the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) force, while in Domain 2, the EHD force is integrated into the Navier–Stokes equations to generate the induced flow. The DBD model is based on the Suzen–Huang framework, incorporating a novel calibration method that accounts for voltage- and frequency-dependent plasma properties. An empirical correction is applied to the EHD force to better represent wall-jet behavior. The solver is validated against experimental data, demonstrating good agreement with reference velocity profiles and injected momentum. Comparisons between laminar and turbulence models (Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes) reveal that both approaches effectively capture key wall-jet features. The solver’s robustness is tested across different mesh configurations, showing that domain interpolation has minimal impact on results when mesh quality is adequate. It supports both stationary and transient simulations, is adaptable to various turbulence models, and can be further adapted for other flow scenarios.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Plasma and Flow Control in Aerodynamics
Computational Fluid Dynamics and Aerodynamics
Plasma Applications and Diagnostics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Aerospace Engineering
- Volume
- 39
- Issue
- 3
- Publication date
- 9 February 2026
- Language
- EN