Positive and negative sawtooth signals applied to a DBD plasma actuator - influence on the electric wind

The influence of the electric signal shape applied to a surface dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) actuator is investigated in order to optimise the produced electric wind. This report also gives insights on the mechanisms involved in the electro-fluido-dynamic (EFD) operated by actuators based on atmospheric non-thermal discharges in air. The parameters of the electric signal that maximises the produced electric wind in quiescent air are investigated with a positive and negative sawtooth waveforms. The induced airflow properties are observed with a particle image velocimetry (PIV) set-up. The positive sawtooth waveform results in a more filamentary discharge and generates an electric wind with maximum velocities close to the active air exposed electrode. This contrasts with the negative sawtooth waveform that does not create as many filaments and induces electric wind velocities more homogeneously distributed along the dielectric surface. Even though the velocities values are of the same order, the shape of the vortex generated above the air exposed electrode is very dependant on the waveform. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.