Influence of Pulse Length on Electrothermal Plasma Jet Impingement Flow

An experimental investigation has been performed to gain insight into the flows resulting from a plasma jet impinging on a flat plate at representative incident angles of 90 degrees, 60 degrees, and 45 degrees in the open air for two plasma pulse lengths (0.3 and 1.0 ms). Specifically, the investigation examined the influence of the pulse length on the flow characteristics that may affect the plasma propellant interactions occurring in the electrothermal chemical charge system. Comparisons for the two pulse lengths were made with data including flow pattern, pressure distribution, light intensity, and flow signature on the impingement plate. Distinct differences in these data were observed between the two pulse lengths. Overall results showed that although the plasma with a shorter pulse length was more powerful, it had a shorter time duration of flow interaction. Therefore, the pulse length can be a key parameter to be optimized in order to effectively ignite a charge system with a minimum requirement of electrical energy. Differences in the results from variable incident angles of jet impingement were also evident. The original document contains color images. Project No., 622618.H8000.