Characteristics of atmospheric non-thermal microplasma actuator

In this study, μm-size plasma actuator, microplasma actuator was developed and investigated for active flow control. Microplasma actuator could be driven by relatively low voltage less than 2 kVpp due to the μm discharge gap. Such low voltage is easily controlled by semiconductor switches. Discharge diagnostics included measurements of discharge voltage, energy, and ozone generation. Emission spectra were also investigated to identify the microplasma characteristics. Air flow induced by the microplasma actuator was measured by the Particle Iimage Velocimetry (PIV) method. Incense smoke sub-micron diameter was used for tracer particles. Nd YVO₄ 532 nm laser was used for irradiation. By driving the microplasma actuator, air flow on the order of 0.1 m/s was generated and its direction was controlled by semiconductor switches.