1
College of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, University of Tehran
2
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Naples Federico ii
Abstract
We numerically assess how chordwise placement of a single dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator affects separation control on a cambered NACA 6412 airfoil at α = 12° for U∞ = 1 and 10 m/s (Re ≈ 6.85×10^4 and 6.85×10^5, respectively). Steady RANS (SST k-ω) is coupled with a Shyy-type body-force model to represent the actuator. In the baseline, separation forms on the suction side with onset near x/c ≈ 0.60 at 1 m/s and x/c ≈ 0.70 at 10 m/s. Four plasma actuator locations are evaluated: x/c = 0.03 (LEL), 0.10 (LER), 0.40 (TEL), and 0.65 (TER). Simulation results indicated that placement strongly governs authority by determining where momentum is added to the boundary layer. A leading-edge actuator at x/c ≈ 0.03 consistently yields the best outcome, delaying or removing separation, strengthening the suction peak, and promoting smooth pressure recovery, especially at 10 m/s. A downstream actuator near x/c ≈ 0.65 is the next most effective, targeting the vicinity of natural separation. LER (x/c ≈ 0.10) is the least effective, especially at 10 m/s, where residual trailing-edge separation remains. For placements aft of the maximum thickness, very strong actuation (plasma jet ≫ free-stream) can induce a laminar separation bubble and increase drag despite lift gains. These findings offer practical guidance for selecting actuator position and strength on cambered airfoils at moderate incidence.
Divazi,A. , Noferesti,E. and Hajipour,M. (2025). Numerical Study of Plasma Actuator Placement for Flow Separation Control on a NACA 6412 Airfoil. Journal of Technology in Aerospace Engineering, (), 1-10.
MLA
Divazi,A. , , Noferesti,E. , and Hajipour,M. . "Numerical Study of Plasma Actuator Placement for Flow Separation Control on a NACA 6412 Airfoil", Journal of Technology in Aerospace Engineering, , , 2025, 1-10.
HARVARD
Divazi A., Noferesti E., Hajipour M. (2025). 'Numerical Study of Plasma Actuator Placement for Flow Separation Control on a NACA 6412 Airfoil', Journal of Technology in Aerospace Engineering, (), pp. 1-10.
CHICAGO
A. Divazi, E. Noferesti and M. Hajipour, "Numerical Study of Plasma Actuator Placement for Flow Separation Control on a NACA 6412 Airfoil," Journal of Technology in Aerospace Engineering, (2025): 1-10,
VANCOUVER
Divazi A., Noferesti E., Hajipour M. Numerical Study of Plasma Actuator Placement for Flow Separation Control on a NACA 6412 Airfoil. j. Technol. Aerosp. Eng., 2025; (): 1-10.