Abstract:The DBD (dielectric barrier discharge) plasma synthetic jet actuator driven by a sinusoidal alternating current high-voltage power is a typical active flow control actuator, which has the advantages of simple structure, flexible placement, and short response time. It has potential application prospects in lift enhancement and drag reduction, vibration suppression and noise reduction of aircraft. The plasma synthetic jet actuator consists of two traditional asymmetrical DBD plasma actuators which produce two wall jets. Under the interaction of the two wall jets, the plasma synthetic jet actuator generates a vertical upward jet, leading to promote the mixing between high-energy mainstream and low-energy airflow in the vicinity of the wall and achieve flow control. To understand the evolution process of the flow field induced by the plasma synthetic jet actuator in-depth, the induced flow field was studied in the quiescent air by using the time-resolved PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) technology. The spatial-temporal evolution process of flow field induced by the actuator was revealed, the oscillation phenomenon of jet induced by the actuator was observed, and the evolution mechanism of flow field induced by the actuator was elucidated. The results indicated that the flow field created by the plasma synthetic jet actuator undergoes three stages, namely the development of starting vortices, the interaction of the two jets, and the oscillation of synthetic jet. Meanwhile, the induced oscillation angle range of the synthetic jet can reach ± 45 °. The present results lay a foundation for advancing the numerical simulation model and enhancing the control effect of the plasma synthetic jet actuator.