Direct-current discharge between a metal anode and a liquid nonmetallic cathode

The characteristics and mathematical modeling of the behavior of a low-temperature direct current electric discharge plasma ignited between an aluminum anode and an electrolytic cathode (3% NaCl solution in purified water) at atmospheric pressure have been studied. The discharge is ignited by immersing the metal anode into the electrolytic cathode. The types and forms of plasma structures generated in the interelectrode gap are considered. The results of high-speed recording of the processes of breakdown and combustion of the discharge are presented. The electrophysical parameters of the discharge, including pulsations, current and voltage fluctuations, have been studied. The emission spectroscopy method was used to determine the discharge radiation spectrum, plasma composition, electron concentration, and temperature of heavy plasma components. The thermograms of the surface of liquid non-metallic and metallic electrodes in the discharge burning zone are considered. The results of numerical simulation of the electric field strength and the initial stage of the discharge are presented.