This electrically-driven plasma actuator generates heat and induces air flow to reduce drag on aircraft surfaces like wings and blades. Solid-state flow control devices are in high demand for moderate to high flow speed applications. Available plasma actuators achieve reliable solid-state performance and are lightweight and responsive, but they may be too energy-intensive for certain systems.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a high-performance plasma actuator that more efficiently converts input electrical energy into plasma and heat via spontaneous electron emission. This device can improve aerodynamic flow control in supersonic aircrafts and vertical lift crafts such as helicopters.
High-performance, energy-efficient plasma actuator to modulate aerodynamic flow for supersonic aircrafts
A polarizable plasma source generates heat that rapidly raises surface temperature. This can function as a surface heat bump for high-speed flow control in helicopters, aircrafts, or Harrier jets. A set of electrodes separated by a very high permittivity ferroelectric material forms the plasma actuator. The generated plasma interacts with surrounding air to induce airflow along the surface of the actuator, facilitating better flow control. A duty cycle minimizes the power requirement. Likewise, extreme dielectric materials such as aerogel improve heat insulation and produces maximum thrust for a given input electrical energy suitable for moderate speed aircrafts and helicopters while ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or lead magnesium niobite (PMN) type high k dielectric material allows rapid surface heating suitable for high speed vehicles. Both are excellent for vehicle drag reduction.
