Breakthrough in Plasma Actuator Aerodynamics by AGT, Inc. - March 23, 2006
Atmospheric Glow Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce a breakthrough in the field of plasma aerodynamics. Contract research supported by Air Force SBIR contract, FA8651-05-C-0116, has led to a new class of plasma actuators that are both more robust, generate more force, and are dramatically more electrically efficient than previous designs.
After construction of a highly sensitive force balance based on an inverted pendulum with an electrical feedback magnetic stability system, AGT, Inc. established the performance of typical plasma actuator designs referenced in current literature(1).
Subsequent research was focused on optimizing AGT's plasma actuator design. The research effort examined all known design parameters such as selection of the dielectric material based on its inherent properties, design of the electrodes, and both the configuration and output of the power supply generating the plasma.
The physics of the discharge necessitated the development of an actuator design capable of supporting significantly higher electric fields, while operating for extended periods. Sustained usage required for actual in-flight operation demanded the selection of a dielectric material that is robust, with excellent dielectric strength, yet low cost.
The new design has shown such a significant improvement over previous designs that we have provided the supporting graphs in log-log form for comparison. These graphs demonstrate that the AGT actuator is generating a factor of 4 more force per unit length while utilizing 2 orders of magnitude less power. Subsequently, the resulting electrical efficiency is also nearly 2 orders of magnitude greater than previous designs.
Presently, AGT, Inc. is in the process of wind tunnel testing the new plasma actuators. Future efforts will include installing actuators as control surfaces on unmanned air vehicles. AGT, Inc. is actively seeking both partners and funding to expand the development and adoption of this new technology.
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(1) The standard design is based on a single electrode set (0.25-in upper and lower electrode widths, with no intra-electrode gap) using 3 layers of 2-mil thick Kapton as the dielectric operated at 5-kHz.
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