Drag Reduction and Flight Control of External Hypersonic Flows by EHD Plasma Actuators

Atmospheric Glow Technologies proposes using its non-intrusive EHD plasma actuator for drag reduction and flight control of hypersonic vehicles. AGT's plasma actuator is comprised of a series of alternating electrodes embedded in a dielectric covering the surface of the hypersonic body. The primary objective of this Phase II effort is to demonstrate the commercial feasibility and aerodynamic enhancements using a plasma actuator through numerical simulations and wind tunnel tests. This study will build on expertise from the University of Tennessee CFD laboratory and aerospace engineering department. The phase II effort will (1) develop efficient plasma actuators, (2) prove commercial feasibility through wind tunnel testing and (3) simulate the plasma actuators effect with CFD codes. The plasma actuators would revolutionize vehicle design by eliminating the need for moving parts found in conventional flight control systems.