Optimization of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Actuators for Active Aerodynamic Flow Control

TLDR

The study aims to optimize the body force of single dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators for aerodynamic flow control, targeting higher Reynolds number applications. The authors examine how dielectric material and thickness, voltage amplitude and frequency, waveform, electrode geometry, and array configuration affect actuator performance, using measured thrust as the metric. Actuators constructed with thick, low‑dielectric‑constant dielectrics produce body forces an order of magnitude larger than Kapton-based designs, allowing higher voltage operation without streamer‑induced saturation.

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a parametric experimental investigation aimed at optimizing the body force produced by single dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators used for aerodynamic flow control. A primary goal of the study is the improvement of actuator authority for flow control applications at higher Reynolds number than previously possible. The study examines the effects of dielectric material and thickness, applied voltage amplitude and frequency, voltage waveform, exposed electrode geometry, covered electrode width, and multiple actuator arrays. The metric used to evaluate the performance of the actuator in each case is the measured actuator-induced thrust which is proportional to the total body force. It is demonstrated that actuators constructed with thick dielectric material of low dielectric constant produce a body force that is an order of magnitude larger than that obtained by the Kapton-based actuators used in many previous plasma flow control studies. These actuators allow operation at much higher applied voltages without the formation of discrete streamers which lead to body force saturation.