Gas temperature in a secondary streamer discharge: an approach to the electric wind

The temperature distribution of nitrogen neutral molecules in a secondary streamer discharge in a point-to-plane air gap is determined by using emission spectroscopy. A relatively high neutral gas temperature ( approximately 800 K) was measured in the vicinity (0.5 mm) of the point electrode. For greater distances the temperature decreases and remains practically constant ( approximately 450 K). These results, combined with others obtained by simulation, lead the authors to a quantitative description of the secondary streamer propagation and to a satisfactory approach to electric wind formation. The electric wind velocity evaluated in the middle of the gap ( approximately 30 m s -1 ) is in a fairly good agreement with the literature.