Investigation of Scaling Effects Due to Varying Dielectric Material in Asymmetric Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge Actuators

The flexible and unorthodox means of using plasma has given light to various novel uses for asymmetric surface dielectric barrier discharge actuators of recent. To completely understand the range of uses for these actuators, a thorough knowledge of how geometrical, material, and interactional changes affect the actuator is necessary. Studies have been done for a majority of geometrical and interactional configurations, but a complete overall analysis of the dielectric materials used to buffer between the two electrodes of the asymmetric SDBD configuration has yet to be fully defined. How these dielectric materials affect the scaling of these actuators and the lifespan of said materials being used for plasma actuators are a matter to be investigated. Using a plasma testing setup from a previous experiment, dielectric materials will be tested for a set amount of time with the quality of plasma and degradation of dielectric material being observed. The scaling effects from the variation of dielectric material can be seen in a collection of parameters including but not limited to power required, frequency of functionality, and input/output voltages. Previous isolated uses of SDBD actuators show that lower dielectric constant materials will provide stronger plasma output. The degradation of the dielectric material also does not seem to affect the plasma output until a specific point of usage is attained. Additionally, an increased efficiency SDBD actuator can be utilized in several growing fields: biological decontamination, produce longevity, and unmanned aerial system propulsion.