An Experimental Study on Segmented-Encapsulated Electrode Dielectric-Barrier-Discharge Plasma Actuator for Mapping Ice Formation on a Surface: A Conceptual Analysis

Abstract

A novel design of the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) actuator/sensor is proposed for mapping the location of icing on a surface. The new design uses segmentation of the embedded electrode of the DBD actuator. Segmented DBD actuator/sensor devices were fabricated and experimentally tested in terms of mechanical, thermal and sensing abilities. The sensing capability of the new actuator was analyzed experimentally. Stationary and dynamic icing tests were conducted and the electrical characteristics of the DBD were measured. A parametric study on the effect of the electrode dimensions on the degree of sensitivity of the device was performed. Experimental results show that by using a segmented configuration it is possible to sense the onset of ice formation and also to detect its location. Furthermore, it is possible to detect the initiation of the melting process and measure the time for the water/ice to be completely expelled from the surface. It is also shown that the segmented actuator has better deicing performance in comparison to the conventional actuators. It is also shown that the thermal and active flow control abilities are not compromised by the segmented configuration and thus this device may perform deicing, ice formation and location detection and active flow control.