Vortex Breakdown Control by the Plasma Swirl Injector

Abstract

Vortex breakdown, observed in swirling flows, is an interesting physical phenomenon relevant to a wide range of engineering applications, including aerodynamics and combustion. The concept of using a plasma swirler to control vortex breakdown was proposed and tested in this study. The effect of plasma actuation on controlling the onset and development of the vortex breakdown was captured by particle image velocimetry. Flowfield measurement results suggested that, by varying the strength of the plasma actuation, the location and size of the vortex breakdown region was controlled effectively. The plasma swirl injector offers a method for optimal control and efficient utilization of vortex breakdown. The method being proposed here may represent an attractive way of controlling vortex breakdown using a small amount of energy input, without a moving or intrusive part.