Dielectric Barrier Discharge Uniformity Enhancement by Air Flow

The possibility of dielectric barrier discharge contraction prevention by means of air flow has been experimentally investigated. A plasma generator with coaxial configuration was used in the experiments. The discharge medium was atmospheric pressure air under natural humidity (about 50%). A rectangle voltage pulse of 16 kV amplitude and 60 us duration was applied to the discharge electrodes with a pulse repetition rate of 3 kHz. The air flow rate through the discharge gap was varied from 0 to 32 L . min(-1). The discharge uniformity was evaluated on the basis on the discharge afterglow brightness distribution in the cross section of the gap. It was found that the discharge afterglow uniformity grows with increase in the flow rate. The explanation for this phenomenon is presented.