Features of a near-cathode region in a gliding arc discharge in air flow

Abstract

This paper describes the results of the investigation of a low-current atmospheric-pressure discharge in air flow with electrode geometry typical of the so-called gliding arc. At a current of fractions of an ampere the discharge burns in a regime of normal glow rather than in an arc regime and the area of the negative glow plasma smoothly moves over the cathode surface under the effect of gas flow. At the background of the glow discharge, occasional creation of a spark cathode spot can occur. Then the discharge becomes attached to the cathode surface and the site of current attachment does not move due to the gas flow. The site of current attachment continues its smooth displacement when the cathode spot is spontaneously extinguished. The events when the cathode spot abruptly jumps to a new place of attachment downstream are also observed.