Recent Advancements in Charged Particle Technology for Practical Applications from Drag Reduction to Disinfection

Weakly or partially ionized air plasma remains an area of strong research interest due to its broad practical relevance. Besides local flow modification for lift, drag, surface heat flux, turbulence, and noise control, these charged particles have shown excellent efficacy for biological decontamination for space and medical applications. At the heart of this charged particle technology is a set of electrodes separated by sufficient potential difference across a suitable dielectric medium to produce reactive species including short-lived metastables and charged particles. A range of electrical and geometric parameters determines the effective coupling of these charged particles with the neighboring working gas and/or surfaces. We will discuss key findings, advancements, and challenges for select practical applications of this charged particle technology. Realizable performance issues of the electrodes under adverse ambient conditions will also be discussed.