plasmaaktuatorer

Plasmaaktuatorer, also known as plasma actuators, are devices that use plasma to generate force or motion. They work by ionizing a gas, typically air, and then using electric fields to manipulate the resulting plasma. This manipulation creates a flow of charged particles that can exert a force on the surrounding fluid, such as air.

The fundamental principle behind a plasma actuator involves applying a high voltage across two electrodes separated by a dielectric material. When the voltage is sufficiently high, a plasma discharge occurs in the gap between the electrodes. This plasma consists of ions, electrons, and neutral particles. The electric field then accelerates these charged particles, causing them to collide with neutral gas molecules. These collisions transfer momentum to the neutral gas, resulting in a net flow or thrust.

Plasma actuators are often categorized into different types based on their electrode configuration and operating mode. Surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) actuators are a common type, where the plasma is generated along the surface of an insulating material. Other variations exist, including those that operate in different gas environments or utilize pulsed instead of continuous power.

The applications of plasma actuators are diverse and span various fields. In aerospace, they are explored for flow control, such as reducing drag or enhancing lift on aircraft wings. They can also be used for active noise control and for manipulating airflow in other systems. Research is ongoing to improve their efficiency, power consumption, and durability for widespread practical implementation. Their ability to create localized and controllable air movement makes them a promising technology for future aerodynamic and fluidic systems.