Propagation of an electric discharge over the surface of water and semiconductor

The propagation of a series of pulsed electrical discharges is investigated over the free surface of water, along a water-saturated porous polymer, over a thin water jet, and over the surface of a semiconductor. It is found that the length of a surface discharge may be several times the limit size of the breakdown gap in air and, in a wide range of variation of parameters, is independent of the electrical conductivity of water. The relay mechanism of propagation of such a discharge is revealed. The mechanisms of the formation of droplets during a discharge are analyzed.