Analyzing Vortex Formation in Gas Dynamics through 2D Plasma Simulations and OpenFOAM for Plasma Catalysis

Recent advancements in plasma technology have led to the development of various atmospheric pressure plasma discharges for gas conversion. Most of these discharges, such as surface dielectric barrier discharges (SDBDs), ignite streamers that significantly impact gas dynamics. This work presents an analysis of results obtained from 2D plasma simulations and pure gas simulations via OpenFOAM, focusing on the effects of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) forces and thermal effects as inputs from the plasma simulation. The study highlights the formation of vortices in the gas dynamics and their influence on the gas flow to the catalyst surface in plasma catalysis processes. Understanding these vortex formations is crucial, as they can significantly affect the transport of excited or reactive species to the catalyst, thereby enhancing or hindering process efficiency. The research considers a CO2/He gas mixture, which can be extended to a typical plasma catalysis process where CO2/CH4 is used to produce green chemicals or renewable fuels. The findings contribute to the broader understanding and optimization of plasma catalysis in industrial settings.