Numerical simulation of an electric discharge in supersonic flow

The two-dimensional problem of supersonic air flow past a spherical electrode is considered on the basis of a joint solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for a neutral gas and the charged-particle transport equations in the diffusion-drift approximation. The self-sustained discharge is considered in the cathode regime of operation of the test electrode in a formulation analogous to that of the experimental study [1]. The thermal and non-thermal (action of the electrostatic force in the cathode layer of the space charge) mechanisms of action of the discharge on the flow field are investigated. Within the framework of the numerical model considered the effect of the electrostatic force turns out to be negligibly small and the main effect of the action on the flow is the heat release driven by the electric currents. The influence of the discharge on the flow field was manifested itself in a reduction of the aerodynamic drag by up to 25%.