Performance enhancement and flow structure analysis of geometrically optimized DBD Ion thrusters
Physica Scripta, cilt.101, sa.30, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 101 Sayı: 30
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1088/1402-4896/ae8b41
- Dergi Adı: Physica Scripta
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, INSPEC, zbMATH
- Anahtar Kelimeler: actuator geometry optimization, dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) ion thruster, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) actuation, schlieren flow visualization, thrust measurement
- Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) ion thrusters are capable of generating electrohydrodynamic jets without moving components, offering advantages such as low complexity, rapid response, and compact design. While conventional DBD actuators with linear or annular geometries have been extensively used in aerodynamic control and spacecraft propulsion, their thrust performance remains limited by geometric constraints. This study experimentally investigates the effects of geometrical optimization on the thrust and flow structures of DBD ion thrusters. Three actuator configurations-annular, sawtooth, and sinusoidal-were designed and fabricated with inner diameters of 5 mm, 10 mm, and 20 mm, and tested under varying applied voltages and frequencies. Thrust measurements were conducted using a precision electronic balance, power measurements conducted using a probe capacitor method. Additionally, Schlieren flow visualization was employed to analyze plasma-induced jet behavior and vortex formation. The results reveal that geometrical shaping has a significant impact on thrust generation, thrust-to-power (T/P) ratio and flow stability. Among the tested configurations, the sinusoidal model with a 5 mm diameter achieved the highest thrust of 53.5 mN m−1 and the highest T/P ratio at 14 kVpp, significantly outperforming conventional annular structures. Schlieren images confirmed the presence of well-formed and symmetric vortex rings in sinusoidal geometries, indicating enhanced momentum transfer and stable jet development. Overall, the findings demonstrate that geometric optimization of DBD thrusters substantially enhances thrust efficiency and provides valuable insights for future applications in plasma-based propulsion and active flow control systems.