The mode of gliding arc discharge and its characteristics

As a new type of gas discharge, gliding arc discharge (GAD) can produce brush-shaped plasma jet with low temperature, good uniformity, strong stability and large effective area in open air at atmospheric pressure. Since 1988, researchers around the world have obtained great achievements in a variety of industrial applications with GAD technology such as surface modification, cleaning and sterilization. Therefore, it is significant to know the basic characteristics of GAD plasma. In the present work, two different gliding-arc discharge modes are discovered throughout the process of studying the influence of the electrode structure on gliding arc discharge. The dynamic process of gliding arc discharge is investigated through camera and high-speed photography. Combined with the motion of arc, the oscillogram of discharge voltage and discharge current are analyzed and contrasted. The generation of plasma is related to the start, life and disappearance of arc. However, the position where a new arc forms is different. The phenomenal are analyzed based on the energy balance equation. Temperature and effective area of GAD plasma is the main parameters that can limit device utilization, hence temperature distribution of electrode and the gas temperature of plasma are respectively measured by FLIR SC660 and optical fiber temperature sensor. It was found that the gas temperature of GAD plasma is affected by the discharge mode.