This paper studies the response characteristics of shock wave and boundary layer interaction (SWBLI) controlled by high-frequency pulsed arc discharge (PAD) in a Mach 2.5 flow. The dynamic evolution of SWBLI disturbed by arc plasma energy deposition was captured, and the controlling mechanism under different exciting power and frequency was explored. The results showed that the blast wave induced by PADs had a strong impact on SWBLI structures and distorted the separation shock wave. During the

more »

... downstream propagation, the controlling gas bubbles (CGBs) delivered a continuous thermal excitation to the boundary layer and reached the maximum penetration depth near the semi-cylinder. The arc discharge in the SWBLI region induced larger energy deposition, which made the heating zone obtain the highest initial temperature and longest heating duration. Under the plasma condition of 1 × 1011 W/m3/15 kHz, both the upstream part of the shear layer and the foot portion of the reattachment shock wave were removed. When setting the excitation to 2.5 × 1010 W/m3/60 kHz, a thermal exciting surface of merged CGBs was formed and the separation shock wave was completely replaced by an equivalent compression-wave system. A better drag-reduction effect on the flow field would be produced by the actuator with an increased operating power or frequency, and a drag reduction rate of nearly 25.5% was achieved under the 2.5 × 1010 W/m3/60 kHz control condition.