A Plasma Generator Inspired by Maple Samaras that Generates Rotating Arcs via Controllable Airflow

In high-altitude, due to low-pressure and ultralean fuel mixtures, aeronautical engines often exhibit ignition delays, unstable combustion, and rapid electrode ablation caused by insufficient reaction activity within flames. Although plasma ignition technology relies on special electrical, thermal and chemical effects during the discharge process to promote the physical and chemical reaction process of the fuel, the nonuniform energy density distribution of arcs and their coupling mechanisms with flow fields is still unknown, which hinders technological advancement. Inspired by the spinning and falling characteristics of maple samaras, this study designs a plasma generator that induces rotating arc formation via a controllable airflow, intended for engine ignition, material surface modification, and self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). The coupling relationships between the airflow-arc rotation period and arc length were systematically elucidated using FLUENT 3D transient simulations, high-speed imaging, and electrical signal measurements. When the airflow increases, the arc rotation period shortens, the arc length shrinks to the center of the electrode, and the energy density distribution becomes more uniform. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of the electrode surface treated with vortex-type plasma reveals that as the airflow increases, the annular ablation zone shifts inward and becomes more uniformly distributed, significantly enhancing electrode lifespan. This technology has been successfully demonstrated and validated for a variety of applications, including micronano fabrication on material surfaces and self-powered energy harvesting systems. The high-energy vortex-type plasma generated by the device was employed to modify the nylon surface. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the surface roughness increased significantly, with the water contact angle increasing from 68° to 115°, indicating a substantial hydrophobicity improvement. Furthermore, TENG output voltage increased by 2.3 times with good stability. This work provides an innovative solution for aeronautical ignition systems, micronano engineering of material surfaces, and energy harvesting applications.