Characteristics and underlying physics of ionic wind in dc corona discharge under different polarities*

During a dc corona discharge, the ions’ momentum will be transferred to the surrounding neutral molecules, inducing an ionic wind. The characteristics of corona discharge and the induced ionic wind are investigated experimentally and numerically under different polarities using a needle-to-ring electrode configuration. The morphology and mechanism of corona discharge, as well as the characteristics and mechanism of the ionic wind, are different when the needle serves as cathode or anode. Under the different polarities of the applied voltage, the ionic wind velocity has a linear relation with the overvoltage. The ionic wind is stronger but has a smaller active region for positive corona compared to that for negative corona under a similar condition. The involved physics are analyzed by theoretical deduction as well as simulation using a fluid model. The ionic wind of negative corona is mainly affected by negative ions. The discharge channel has a dispersed feature due to the dispersed field, and therefore the ionic wind has a larger active area. The ionic wind of positive corona is mainly affected by positive ions. The discharge develops in streamer mode, leading to a stronger ionic wind but a lower active area.