Characterization of DBD plasma actuator with ZnO nanowire arrays

Researches in the plasma actuation are increasingly scrutinizing the methodology to enhance the thrust density for the application in the aerodynamic flow control. In this paper, a new method has been proposed and experimentally evaluated. This method is based on the deposition of nanoscaled structures on the electrode surface and the tuning of the applied voltages and frequency. It is found that the thrust enhancement rate resulted from the incorporation of the nanostructures could be approximately 78%, relative to the controlled group, under 14 kV and 7 kHz. However, a threshold effect has been founded across all of the tested samples, where lower applied voltage and frequency could lead to the decrease in the thrust generation. Capacitor charging effects are basically not sensitive to the introduction of the nanostructures in electrical characteristic. Other experimental features and electric field simulation results also indicate the effectiveness of introducing nanoscaled structures into DBD plasma actuators, thus providing a new way to improve mechanical performance.

Automated summary

Research in plasma actuation is focusing on enhancing thrust density for aerodynamic flow control. A new method involving nanoscaled structures and voltage/frequency tuning has been proposed and experimentally evaluated. Results show a 78% increase in thrust with nanostructures, but a threshold effect with lower voltages and frequencies impacting thrust generation. Electric characteristics are not sensitive to nanostructures, demonstrating the effectiveness of incorporating nanoscaled structures into DBD plasma actuators to improve mechanical performance.