Evolution of a plasma vortex in air.

Area of Science:

• Plasma physics
• Fluid dynamics
• Electrical engineering

Background:

• Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) systems are commonly used for plasma generation.
• Controlling plasma behavior within fluidic structures presents unique challenges.
• Vortex dynamics influence energy transfer and plasma stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To generate and characterize a vortex-shaped plasma in air.
• To investigate the interaction between plasma and a helium gas vortex.
• To explore the relationship between plasma fluctuations and vortex characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a capacitively coupled dielectric barrier discharge system.
• Confining the plasma within a helium gas vortex.
• Analyzing plasma propagation and fluctuation dynamics.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated a stable, vortex-shaped plasma within a helium gas vortex.
• Observed plasma propagation over a distance of 3 cm.
• Identified a scaling relationship between plasma ring fluctuations and the vortex Reynolds number.
• Characterized transient discharge behavior, including conducting channels and blurred plasma emission, consistent with corona discharge.

Conclusions:

• A vortex-shaped plasma can be effectively generated and controlled within a gas vortex.
• The dynamics of the plasma are significantly influenced by the underlying vortex flow.
• The findings provide insights into plasma behavior in complex fluid environments and potential applications in areas like flow control or plasma-enhanced chemistry.