Experimental Investigation of Lift Enhancement and Roll Control Using Plasma Actuators

An experimental investigation into the use of trailing-edge-mounted plasma actuators for lift enhancement and roll control is described. Data are presented showing the effect that the actuators have on lift, pitch, and roll moment coefficients as a function of angle of attack and wind speed. The results indicate that the performance of the actuators is strongly influenced by Reynolds number effects. The implications of the findings on the utility of plasma actuators as lift and roll-control devices are discussed.