AN ANOMALY IN I-V CHARACTERISTICS AT A POSITIVE CORONA DISCHARGE

Karol Marton - Peter Kapás

   An anomaly occurring on the I-V characteristic in the case of a positive potential on a rod electrode with a small radius of curvature with respect to a plane electrode is described in this paper. The anomalous phenomena occur in a narrow voltage range in a highly non-homogeneous field close to the electrode (E>10⁷ Vm^-1).
   Mathematical and physical analyses of the processes in tight proximity of the electrode having the above mentioned shape are performed. Differential equations which analytically and theoretically describe these phenomena are compiled and solved. The space charge created by particles (electrons, positive and negative ions) which cause negative differential conductivity in the narrow voltage range due to their behaviour in the electric field plays a substantial role in these phenomena.

Keywords: narrow voltage range, positive unipolar corona discharge, differential negative conductivity, strongly non-homogeneous field, phenomenon of anomaly

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