Parametric Investigation of a Dielectric Barrier Dishcarge Plasma Actuator
Abstract
The dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator is considered an effective
flow control device in various aerospace applications such as drag control, lift control, and
stall control. The DBD plasma actuator has many potential benefits in active flow control
applications, such as an absence of moving parts and low power draw. Numerous studies
have been done to estimate the effect of plasma flow on specific aerospace applications.
These studies have revealed that the performance of the plasma actuator depends on a
number of parameters, such as operating voltage and currents, materials, and the
surrounding air velocity, to name a few. Unique combinations of these parameters are
required for optimal performance of the actuator; therefore, robust parametric studies have
been undertaken to fully predict the plasma-based flow fields. The present study focuses on
evaluating the influence of electrical, geometrical and material parameters on the single
DBD plasma actuator flow. The electrical parameters include voltage and frequency,
whereas electrode gap orientations and dielectric materials are considered geometrical and
materials parameters, respectively. The parametric study was done by estimating the
plasma-induced velocity in quiescent media with the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)
system for various actuator settings and operating conditions. The effects of the above
parameters and characteristic behavior on the single DBD plasma actuator are discussed
and compared. The obtained maximum velocities for different settings and operating
conditions are used as a basis for comparison. Results showed that the operating voltage was the maJor parameter influencing the actuator performance, and the electrode gap
orientations (±1 mm) had negligible effect.
IV