Experimental Optimization of AC Voltage Waveform Configured with Steep and Gradual Slopes for Plasma Actuator

Abstract

In this study, a voltage waveform comprising the steep and gradual slopes is optimized to maximize the thrust of the induced flow by a dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator. Our aim is to experimentally determine the effects and the improvement mechanism of the flow strength and efficiency by the voltage waveform. For this purpose, measurements and analyses of the thrust, power, and body force are conducted. Especially, the body force was analyzed by particle image velocimetry. The proposed waveform improved the thrust and efficiency by more than 50% and 40% compared with the sinusoidal waveform, respectively. We determined that the improvement is due to the dense plasma generation and acceleration; accompanied by the strong discharge in the steep voltage slope and the maintained electric potential in the gradual voltage slope.