Flowfield-Characteristics Generated by DBD Plasma Actuators

Abstract

The current study is devoted to investigating velocity fields produced by Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma actuators in quiescent air using a PIV system. The purpose of the study is to determine whether features in the velocity field can be recognized, which already allow direct conclusions about how effective the actuator might be for a particular flow control application. The parameter space investigated in the experiments comprises several electrode sizes, modulation frequencies and actuator voltages. Our interest is focussed at the present time on stabilization of boundary layers or delay of transition. To identify conducive induced velocity fields, we have chosen to examine the proper orthogonal decomposition of the velocity field and show that this representation can have direct physical interpretation of the influence exerted on the boundary layer. Comparing the present results to previous experience with various actuator configurations, we conclude that the following approach is viable and should be persude.