The electrical discharge as a source of a mechanical energy

Experimental study of the electrical discharge at the surface of an insulating material is presented. The discharge is created at the surface of an insulating material, we used two geometrical forms which are a flat plate and a roll. We used many types of insulating materials. For each case we show the curves of characteristics current–voltage as well as the current density–electrical field evolution and we determine the domain of the discharge stability. The discharge creates an ionic wind which ensures its dynamic effect. In fact the discharge creates a mechanical energy which can be used for many purposes and especially in aerodynamics for airflow control. We present measurements of ionic wind velocity which prove its efficiency for the airflow control. Besides we show visualisations of the discharge and the ionic wind.