Analytical estimation of the thrust generated by a surface dielectric barrier discharge

Abstract

Abstract The thrust induced by a set of microdischarges forming a surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) at sinusoidal alternating voltage is estimated analytically by a phenomenological model based on available experimental data and achieved understanding of SDBD physics. Qualitative coincidence between theoretical predictions and experimental observations for thrust dependence on voltage at different dielectric thicknesses and its relative permittivity is demonstrated by the developed phenomenological model. The volumetric force is primarily induced by the negative voltage half-cycle. The origin of the force is the accumulation of volumetric negative charge carried by negative long-lived and ions. This accumulation is proportional to the third power of discharge length giving a strong force dependence on applied voltage. The directions of further SDBD investigation and actuator performance improvement are discussed.