Study on Characteristics of an AC Sliding Discharge Plasma Actuator Operating at Different Pressures

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) has been one of the most promising techniques for flow control, but the practical application needs a large plasma surface. A three-electrode sliding discharge plasma actuator (SDPA) can generate plasma filling the inter-electrode distance. In this study, the performance of an SDPA for practical flight at low pressures is reported. When the pressure decreases, plasma discharge becomes more intensive. Current peaks and power consumption of electrode 1 become higher at low pressure. Sliding discharge is fully developed at 54 kPa, and the plasma morphology resembles plumes. PIV results show vortex structures and an induced wall jet above the actuator surface. A ‘potential-arc-discharge’ is observed at 38 kPa, leading to an inhomogeneous surface temperature distribution and a velocity decrease of the jet.