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Examination of ionic wind and cathode sheath effects in a E-field premixed flame with ion density measurements

Journal Article · · Physics of Plasmas
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4945614· OSTI ID:22599161

The effect of the ionic wind on a premixed methane-air flame under a DC electric field is studied via mapping of the ion density with Langmuir probes. Ion densities were observed to increase near the burner with increasing electrode voltage up to 6 kV. Past this electrode supply voltage, ion densities ceased increasing and began to decline in some locations within the premixed flame. The increased ion density is caused by an increase in ionic wind force and cathode sheath thickness. The plateau in density is due to the cathode sheath fully encompassing the flame front which is the ion source, thereby collecting all ions in the flame. The spatial density data support the ionic wind hypothesis and provide further explanation of its limits based on the plasma sheath.

OSTI ID:
22599161
Journal Information:
Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 23; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English