Self-Excited Electrostatic Pendulum Showing Electrohydrodynamic-Force-Induced Oscillation
Date
2017-12
Authors
Stephan, Karl D.
Hernandez Guerrero, Jose M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
American Institute of Physics Publishing
Abstract
The electrohydrodynamic (EHD) effect ("ion wind") associated with corona discharges in air has been extensively investigated and modeled. We present a simple experiment that shows how both the magnitude and direction of EHD forces can change in such a way as to impart energy continuously to an oscillating electrostatic pendulum. The amplitude of oscillations of an electrostatic pendulum subject to EHD forces can grow approximately exponentially over a period of minutes, and we describe a qualitative theory to account for this effect, along with implications of these experiments for theories of ball lightning.
Description
Keywords
pendulums, electrostatic apparatus and appliances, electrohydrodynamics, oscillations, corona discharge, ball lightning, Ingram School of Engineering
Citation
Stephan, K. D., & Hernandez Guerrero, J. M. (2017). Self-excited electrostatic pendulum showing electrohydrodynamic-force-induced oscillation. Journal of Applied Physics, 122(24), pp. 1-8.
Rights
Rights Holder
© 2017 The Author(s).