Plasma and Flow Characterization in a Flat Panel One Atmosphere Uniform Barrier Discharge

The properties of a one atmosphere uniform barrier discharge panel have been investigated by means of electric, fluid-dynamic and spectroscopic diagnostic techniques. The discharge panel was tested inside an open circuit blowing wind tunnel, at different power supply conditions and air speeds. Boundary layer characteristics on the plasma panel have been investigated by means of a Pitot probe. Vibrational and rotational temperatures have been evaluated by means of spectroscopic techniques. The measured electric properties were correlated to spectroscopic data. Flow visualization was also performed by means of a Schlieren setup. Finally, there was an attempt to optimise the design of the plasma, in order to raise the thrust efficiency. For each electrode pair, a high voltage DC electrode was added. This leads to a DC discharge, sustained by the AC barrier discharge. This discharge allows to obtain an aerodynamic effect from the associated ionic wind.