  In this research, the effect of utilizing a micro plasma actuator on
controlling the flow through a two-dimensional cylinder is investigated using
an advanced electrostatic model. Within this model, by solving two elliptic
equations, the potential distribution and plasma distribution in the solution
domain are determined, leading to the generation of a volumetric force. This
force is added to the momentum equations as a source term. The Reynolds number
of the flow is set at 20,000, and the plasma actuator operates in a steady
manner. Due to the high Reynolds number, the flow is turbulent, and its
time-dependent nature is modeled as unsteady. Plasma actuators are
symmetrically mounted at 45 and 90 degrees with respect to the free stream,
both above and below the cylinder surfaces. The influence of the actuator
placement angle on the flow quality downstream of the cylinder is examined. The
results indicate an enhancement of flow quality by 8% to 15% downstream of the
cylinder. Moreover, improvements of 40% to 55% in the variation of the lift
coefficient and 75% to 90% in the drag coefficient are reported. The findings
reveal superior performance of the actuator positioned at 90 degrees compared
to the 45-degree orientation. This can be attributed to the proximity of the
90-degree actuator position to the point of boundary layer separation
initiation. Furthermore, using the actuator positioned at 90 degrees and
applying three different voltages of 10, 13, and 16 kV, the impact of flow
control on the first cylinder in a tandem arrangement on the downstream flow of
the second cylinder is examined. The results demonstrate an enhancement in
downstream flow quality of 20% to 26%.
