Surface Streamer Discharge for Plasma Flow Control Using Nanosecond Pulsed Power

Abstract

Nonequilibrium plasma discharges have been demonstrated to be effective in a variety of flow control applications. Traditionally, surface dielectric barrier discharge (sDBD) or spark gaps have been used due to the small size, weight, and cost of generating electronics. Nanosecond pulsed discharge in the form of streamers has similar physical properties to sDBD while alleviating its disadvantages, but it has remained relatively untested due to pulse generation requirements. New developments in compact pulsed power technology, however, have enabled the generation of surface streamer discharge using small and inexpensive pulse generators. Images of surface streamer discharge generated for plasma flow control are presented.