PROGRESS IN PLASMA ASSISTED DRAG REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Using characteristics of plasma to reduce aerodynamic drag of vehicles is a new concept of reducing drag. Some recent research results in wind tunnel test and CFD indicated an obvious effect of plasma assisted drag reduction. This paper presented the development of plasma assisted drag reduction technology abroad including reducing aerodynamic drag by a counter plasma jet, plasma-based boundary layer flow control and drag reduction, reducing drag by local applying energy point sources. The fundamental principle of the plasma drag reduction and its key technologies are discussed. Finally, some research direction of plasma drag reduction technology in China are suggested.