Thermal Characterization of a DBD Plasma Actuator: Dielectric Temperature Measurements Using Infrared Thermography

Abstract

Active flow control by plasma actuators is currentl y under investigation in order to improve the aerodynamic performance of vehicles. One of these actuators consists in using a surface dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) by creat ing a non-thermal plasma at the dielectric surface. The plasma discharge induces a low-velocity airflow, the so-called “ionic wind”, which can be used to modify external flows. In this study, we focus on the description of the thermal effect of a DBD actuator in order to contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of interaction with the flow. The te mperature of the dielectric surface was first determined with the plasma on and secondly af ter switching off the discharge. The measurements were conducted for several amplitudes and frequencies of the applied voltage. The study comprised two parts: in the first, measur ements were performed in quiescent air, and in the second, the influence of an external bou ndary layer over the discharge on the dielectric temperature was investigated.