Dynamics of dual-pulse laser energy deposition in a supersonic flow

Dynamics of plasma generated by the dual-pulse laser in a supersonic flow was studied numerically. The mathematical model includes species, momentum, electronic, vibrational and translational energy equations for the multicomponent ionized air. The model examines temporal dynamics of the formed air plasma and how it affects the drag, pressure signature and vorticity generation in a supersonic flow around a wedge. We observed that nonequilibrium plasmas is more effective in the drag reduction compared with the simultaneous thermal energy addition. The maximum drag reduction of around 50% and the maximum drag coefficient reduction of 30% was attained through the dual-pulse laser energy deposition. Variation of the plasma spot orientation did not significantly influence the drag reduction. We suggested that the surface pressure changes were not controlled by the vorticity generation but occurred due to the density changes and the formation of the low-density plasma spot. (paper)