Computational Insights into DBD Plasma’s Influence on Vortex Ring Dynamics

The way vortex rings and DBD plasma actuators interact could be very useful in aerospace, especially for controlling airflow, reducing noise, and improving propulsion. When a vortex ring meets plasma, the electric wind it creates can change the vortex’s path, strength, or how quickly it fades. This could help in many ways, like cutting down helicopter noise caused by blade-vortex clashes, preventing airflow separation on wings, or making drones more maneuverable by adjusting jet vortices. Plasma can also help manage vortices in high-speed engines, improving fuel mixing in scramjets or lowering drag at supersonic speeds. Because of these promising benefits, this topic deserves further study and research to unlock its full potential in aerospace applications. Therefore, this study investigates the interaction between a vortex ring and a radial dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma using numerical simulation. The influence of plasma actuation on vortex dynamics including core deformation, trajectory modulation, and circulation decay is analyzed to uncover the underlying flow control mechanisms. A coupled electrohydrodynamic (EHD) model resolves the plasma-induced body forces and their impact on the vortex ring’s structure and stability. Results demonstrate how DBD plasma can enhance or suppress vortex-wall interactions, offering insights for active flow control applications in aerodynamics, propulsion, and turbulence manipulation. The simulations reveal key interactions between the plasma-generated momentum and the vortex ring’s self-induced velocity field, providing a foundation for optimizing plasma-based flow control strategies.