Abstract In this paper, we present a numerical study of a nanosecond-pulse controlled surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) actuator, with face-to-face anodes confined in a groove, which provides a type of aerodynamic regulation via a nonplanar surface. The results indicate that, in comparison with a single anode discharge, the space limitation effect together with the intensified space charge strengthen the ohmic heating and electrohydrodynamic (EHD) force. On one hand, the increased ohmi