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 us 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.