New insight on filamentary charge-loaded flows originated by pulsating glow-type unipolar coronas in atmospheric air

Abstract

The diffusional process involving elastic collisions between charge carriers and neutrals has long been the predominant candidate for post-injection momentum loss in the far wider drift region outside confined DC corona discharges in gases. A supplementary research paradigm is here put forward for the interest of a greater understanding of corona-assisted unipolar ion flows in atmospheric air. In this respect, the auto-pulsing mode of glow-type coronas in air is modelled as a source of momentum whose conservation is substantially preserved across the external transfer region. The tangible prospect of charge-bearing flows in the form of a filamentary convection, with negligible drifting component, in buffer gas is put forward in relation to spontaneous symmetry-breaking instability. This setting bears some resemblance to the self-organised collective behaviour of self-propelled (active) particles. The value of this scheme gains strength precisely in relation to the strong inhomogeneity of the electric field surrounding electrodes prone to go into corona. On such a basis, it is believed that the drift of corona-generated ions deserves to be reconsidered in view of the arguments set out in the present modelling.