Influence of a DC corona discharge on the airflow along an inclined flat plate

Visualizations and measurements by Particle Imaging Velocimetry are conducted in a wind tunnel in order to determine the influence of a DC corona discharge established between a wire and a plate collecting electrode on the properties of an airflow around a flat plate. Results show that the kinetic energy induced by the ionic wind inside the boundary layer allows a drag reduction for low Reynolds numbers (Re-L < 68,600). (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.