Application of Plasma Actuator with Two Mesh Electrodes to Active Control of Boundary Layer at 50 Hz Power Supply

Numerous studies are conducted to improve the flow in the boundary layer to ensure laminar flow and in particular to increase flight safety. A new solution used to improve the laminar flow is the plasma actuator. The classic configuration of DBD plasma actuators is commonly used with the asymmetric electrode system. The manuscript describes the results of tests with a plasma actuator. Experimental tests were carried out on the built model of the wing with the SD 7003 profile, a plasma actuator was mounted on the upper surface. In contrast to the commonly used solution with solid tape copper electrodes, the novelty in the described research in the manuscript is the use of a large GND electrode (covering 70% of the upper surface of the wing) and a HV mesh electrode. The use of a plasma actuator on the upper surface of the wing affects the air flow in the boundary layer as a result of air ionization. The tests were carried out for a supply voltage from V = 7.0 kV to 12 kV and Reynolds number, Re = 87500 to 240000, flow velocity during the tests in the tunnel was in the range of U = 5-15 m/s and the angle of attack α = 5 -15 degrees. On the basis of the results experimental tests, the percentage change in the lift coefficient was calculated for the switched on and off DBD system. The obtained results indicate a maximum 17% increase in the lift coefficient for the plasma actuator activated for air flow U = 5 m/s and angle of attack α = 5 degrees. In the remaining configurations, changes in the lift coefficient amounted to 4%.