Investigation of Scaling Effects Due to Varying Dielectric Materials in Asymmetric Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge Actuators

Abstract

To understand completely the range of uses for asymmetric surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) actuators, a thorough knowledge of how geometrical, material, and interactional changes affect the actuator is necessary. Previous studies have determined a large selection of efficient and effective geometrical and interactional configurations, but a complete analysis of the dielectric materials used to buffer between the two electrodes of the asymmetric SDBD configuration has yet to materialize. By testing SDBD actuators with differing dielectric materials, dielectric thicknesses, and electrode gap distances, a comparative analysis of their effects on the plasma actuator’s induced body force are performed. Using optical image analysis (OIA) and particle image velocimetry (PIV), the plasma regime and induced body force created by the actuators are observed. Multiple PIV scenarios are used to discern not only the mean flow field, but also to obtain velocity measurements from the induced body force. Increased thickness and gap distance are observed to have similar effects on the induced body force in a constant current scenario. Increasing dielectric constant is seen to have a significant negative impact on the plasma generated in a constant current scenario. Through a combination analysis between these two methods, a higher efficiency actuator is worked towards from these three parameters setting up future work on potential propulsive purposed plasma actuators.