Characterization of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Actuators: Logarithmic Thrust-Voltage Quadratic Relationship

Results of thrust measurements of dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators are presented. The test setup, measurement, and data processing methodology that were developed in prior work were used. The tests were conducted with high-density polyethylene actuators of three thicknesses. The applied voltage driving the actuators was a pure sinusoidal waveform. The test setup was a suspended actuator with a decoupling liquid interface. The tests were conducted at low ambient humidity. The thrust was measured with an analytical balance and the results were corrected for antithrust to isolate the plasma-generated thrust. Applying this approach resulted in smooth and repeatable data. It also enabled precise curve fitting that yielded quadratic relations between the plasma thrust and voltage in log-log space at constant frequencies. The results contrast power law relationships developed in literature that now appear to be an approximation only over a limited voltage range.