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Experiments were performed on parallel-flow-type multiple-passage channel flows with five branch channels. To improve the performance of multiple-passage device, it is necessary to achieve a uniform flow distribution in each branch channel and reduce the pressure loss. In the present study, a dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator (PA) is used to ensure a uniform flow distribution and to reduce pressure loss. A waveform with a constant voltage of 5 kV and a frequency of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 or 2.5 kHz was applied to the actuator electrode, and the mounting position of the actuator was varied among six positions on the outer wall of the inlet and outlet manifolds. The Reynolds number Re based on the bulk velocity and hydraulic diameter at the inlet channel ranged from 6.0 × 10 2 to 2.0 × 10 3 . The wall static pressure was measured, and the flow rate and the pressure loss were evaluated. The velocity profiles were measured using a particle image velocimetry system to clarify the change of the velocity field with and without PA actuation. The results show that the pressure loss decreases and the flow rate in each branch channel improves because of the effect of PA-induced flow. The effect becomes remarkable when the PA is installed near the first branch channel at the outlet manifold. Flow uniformity is related to the flow from the low-flow-rate channel to the PA. The preferred frequency depends on the Re, and the optimum velocity induced by PA is approximately four times the bulk velocity at the inlet channel.

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