Development of UAV flight test demonstrator for cyclotronic arc-plasma actuator

Abstract

Through a collaborative research effort between the University of Illinois and CU Aerospace through a small business innovation research (SBIR) program, a novel flow control device known as the Cyclotronic Arc-Plasma Actuator (CAPA) actuator is being developed. This actuator uses a series of magnets and electrodes to produces a sweeping plasma arc that can induce a swirling component on a flow. One potential application of this technology is for active flow control, as this technology can potentially be used to delay separation on an airfoil and increase the effectiveness of a control surface. These actuators can be used in a role similar to vortex generators, though with the additional ability of being enabled or disabled for flight regimes such as takeoff and landing. As disabling these actuators during cruise can reduce or eliminate drag penalties, these devices could be used as alternatives to passive vortex generators, which cannot be disabled in flight. This thesis details the work taken to develop an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that will be used as technology demonstrator for the CAPA actuators developed for the SBIR. As part of the integration effort, this thesis will also cover the steps needed to integrate the CAPA system inside a UAV and to evaluate the performance of the system through flight testing.