Experimental investigation on shock wave control by plasma aerodynamic actuation

Based on the mechanical and aerodynamic methods of shock wave control, a method of plasma aerodynamic actuation is proposed. The arc discharge type of plasma aerodynamic actuation is adopted and the actuator is designed. Then, wedge oblique shock wave control by this plasma aerodynamic actuation is experimentally investigated in a small-scale short-duration supersonic wind tunnel. The test results show that the plasma aerodynamic actuation controls the shock wave effectively. Moreover, the influence of a magnetic field on shock wave control is studied and the test results show that magnetic fields greatly reinforce the shock wave control effect. Based on the thermal mechanism of shock wave control by plasma aerodynamic actuation, a thermal choking model is constructed, and the forecasting results of its theoretical shock wave transformation rules are consistent with the test results, which demonstrates that the thermal choking model is rational. As the method of plasma aerodynamic actuation possesses obvious advantages of rapid response and flexible control, it may become a new promising means in shock wave control field.