Atmospheric‐pressure plasma actuators: Enhancement of the free charges' transport mechanism

Charge particles can increase the biocidal efficacy of nonthermal plasmas in indirect treatments. The aim of this study is to increase the amount of free charges produced and delivered by a surface dielectric barrier discharge fluid‐ dynamics actuator. Different linear actuators and supplying conditions have been considered. Actuators were utilized to produce an ionic wind impinging an insulating target surface. Charged particles' distribution over the target was measured with and without a metallic mesh between the actuator and target itself. Linear actuators have proven to be more effective in charge delivery with respect to an annular one previously studied by our research team. A two‐ dimensional electrostatic finite‐element analysis has been carried out to get a better insight into this physical behavior.