No-moving-part electro/fluidic transducer based on plasma discharge effect

• Device without moving parts converts electric input into an air flow change.
• Demonstrated frequency range to more than 100 Hz.
• Capable of working at low Reynolds numbers less than 1000.
• There is a range of optimum air flow rates - both smaller and larger flows deteriorate the performance.

Paper presents experimental results obtained with a model of no-moving-part transducer converting an electric input signal into an air flow diverting output effect. Demonstrated was operation at frequencies f > 100 Hz and also at small Reynolds numbers Re < 1000. Best quality of periodic output pulse train signal is obtained in a certain limited range of air flow rates. The pulse shapes deteriorate at higher air flows because of insufficient relative strength of the generated ionic wind that causes the switching. On the other hand, an air flow rate below the lower boundary of the optimum range leads to insufficient Coanda effect attachment upon which the device depends.