An empirical model for ionic wind generation by a needle-to-cylinder dc corona discharge

•Measurements of the ionic wind velocity and discharge current.•Development of an empirical model for the ionic wind velocity.•A practical basis for designing small ionic wind generators.

We present the results of an experimental study on ionic wind generation by a needle-to-cylinder dc corona discharge. A strong electrical field in the air generates air flow driven by the motion of ionized gas molecules along electric field lines. We measured the ionic wind velocity and discharge current with respect to various electrode geometries, distances between electrodes, and applied voltages. Our measurements suggest an empirical model for the ionic wind velocity as a function of the geometric factors of the collector electrode and the applied electric potential, which is useful for designing ionic wind cooling systems for small electronics.