Mechanism of Thrust–Power Ratio Improvement Using Plasma Actuator with Discretized Encapsulated Electrodes

Plasma actuators (PA) can be utilized as fluid control devices without moving parts, but further improvement in drive efficiency is necessary. Herein, string-type PAs with up to 12 insulated conductive wires were evaluated replace sheet-type having a single encapsulated electrode. The thrust–power ratio of eight or more nine times that single-wire PA. This due the substantial increase width electrode and discrete arrangement conductors streamwise direction. To determine factors influencing performance electrodes, discretized electrodes same configuration characterized. measurement results revealed no significant difference exists plasma extension length (LDBD) between discretization under applied voltage, 25% 45% decreases thrust power consumption, respectively, observed compared those PAs. actuator increased by 30%. Efficient non-mechanical using dielectric barrier discharge therefore possible electrodes.