Numerical Modelling of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Dynamics in Pure and Multi-Species Fluids

Abstract

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators have been shown to influence several features of surrounding flow fields. This work models DBD plasma generation and movement in quiescent fluids. The work is restricted to plasma dynamics and does not consider the impact on the bulk flow field. A model is developed for an asymmetrically oriented DBD at 1200 V, in atmospheric conditions, operating within pure gases of N 2 , H 2 , CO 2 , CO, and H 2 O, along with various mixtures including a simplified post-combustion environment. Charged particle densities are dependent on rates of ionization and recombination, and simulations show ion densities up to 10 21 m −3 . Plasma velocity is dominated by ion mobility, with averages between 3.90 mm µs −1 and 11.59 mm µs −1 . Plasma in mixtures is found to exhibit certain qualities of each constituent species, but is generally governed by the major components of the mixture.