Plasma Streamwise Vortex Generators for Flow Separation Control on Trucks: A Proof-of-concept Experiment

Area of Science:

• Fluid dynamics
• Aerodynamics
• Plasma physics

Background:

• Flow separation on truck A-pillars increases aerodynamic drag.
• Cross-wind conditions exacerbate flow separation and drag.
• Plasma actuators offer a potential method for flow control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma actuators in mitigating flow separation on a truck's A-pillar.
• To quantify the drag reduction achieved by DBD plasma actuators under cross-wind conditions.
• To assess the net power consumption and reduction.

Main Methods:

• Experimental study using a 1:6 scale model of a tractor-trailer in a wind tunnel.
• Deployment of DBD plasma actuators as vortex generators on the A-pillar's leeward side.
• Measurement of drag force using a wind-tunnel balance at various yaw angles.

Main Results:

• Significant drag reduction of approximately 20% was observed at a 9-degree yaw angle.
• A net power reduction was achieved with the plasma actuators.
• Drag reduction was less pronounced at lower yaw angles.

Conclusions:

• DBD plasma actuators show promise in reducing aerodynamic drag on truck A-pillars under cross-wind conditions.
• The observed drag reduction at a 9-degree yaw angle suggests a viable application for fuel efficiency.
• Results were obtained at a lower Reynolds number and speed, requiring further validation for full-scale driving conditions.