Demonstration of Augmented UAV Flight Performance Using Nonthermal Plasma Actuators

An effective surface flow controller for the manipulation of the properties of aerodynamic boundary layers, particularly the resulting body drag and airflow attachment, has been long sought after. The goal has always been a surface airflow controller that is able to manipulate the aerodynamic boundary layer while both saving fuel (reducing power consumption) and improving the aircraft performance (reducing drag and delaying airflow separation). With the addition of a surface flow controller the aircraft could have both a fixed flight performance, due to its physical shape and a dynamic flight performance capability that is adaptive to the flight environment. Electrically generated and controlled plasma has the potential to be used as a flow controller embodying these characteristics that will lead to a practical means of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) shaping of the net aerodynamic flight performance of the aircraft. Atmospheric Glow Technologies (AGT) has successfully demonstrated feasibility of its atmospheric non-thermal glow discharge plasma surface airflow controller based on the proven One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDPTM) and in this Phase II work effort will further develop its flow controller prototypes for incorporation into aircraft for analysis.