Suppressing a Laminar Flow Separation Zone by Spark Discharge at Mach Number M = 1.43

Abstract

The influence of flow perturbations generated by an electric discharge on the region of interaction between a shock wave and laminar boundary layer in the flow on a flat plate at a Mach number of M = 1.43 has been experimentally studied. The oblique shock wave generated by a wedge mounted above the plate induced separation of the flow, while perturbations in the flow were introduced by a spark discharge on the model plate surface. It is established that the discharge leads to the formation of turbulent and thermal spots. The turbulent spot suppresses the separation zone, while the thermal spot leads to a local increase in the boundary layer thickness in the interaction zone.