Repeating Vortices Induced by the Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Actuator

Abstract

A typical dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator is initiated by a burst signal of sinusoidal wave in quiescent air and induced flow field is visualized with the help of smoke flow visualization. The DBD plasma actuator generates a starting vortex when initiated by a typical continuous signal. A burst signal results in continuous generation of vortical structures calling as repeating vortices and formation of dipole like vortex is also observed. The purpose of this paper is to understand and study the vortical structures induced by the DBD plasma actuator in burst mode operation.