Experimental analysis of piezoelectric plasma discharge generator

Abstract

This article deals with a preliminary electrical characterization of a Rosen-type piezoelectric transformer (PT) used to generate plasma discharge. This unusual application of piezoelectric transformer leads to a specific nonlinear electrical behavior. It is essential to identify the concerned physical mechanisms for a better understanding of the operational energy conversions.

Measurement of the electric potential distribution on piezoelectric ceramic surface

“…The parameter (1) is a normalization factor and k 2 depends on the Eigen frequency of the vibratory mode considered. For electrostatic simulation, (1) is not essential because the electric field is a homothetic operation with potential value.…”

“…For electrostatic simulation, (1) is not essential because the electric field is a homothetic operation with potential value. The geometrical discontinuity and the non uniform potential distribution lead to a non trivial electric potential distribution in the surrounding environment Fig.…”

“…Fig. 1, illustrates different patterns of plasma discharges generated in the gas surrounding the secondary side of Rosen type transformer [1]. These pictures are obtained by CCD imagery.…”

Modeling of a ring rosen-type piezoelectric transformer by Hamilton's principle

“…This convention goes hand in hand with a displacement/flux linkage formulation based on the use of the generalized coordinates and velocities (u, λ p ) and ( , ) u v p , respectively. The expression (18) can be made explicit by using the strain-displacement relationships and the electric field E z in the driving section given by (13) leading to expression (22). The clamped capacitance of the driving section has been defined with the following expression:…”

“…For instance, within the framework of the plasma generation obtained by piezoelectric sources (see [22] for more details), it is obvious that the electric potential and its distribution are essential criteria for the promotion of ac plasma discharges. Indeed, the plasma discharge is strongly dependent on the electric field in the gas surrounding the transformer.…”