Discharge Quenching by Acoustic Waves

The results of an experimental investigation of the discharge quenching by an acoustic wave are presented. Acoustic discharge quenching occurs as follows: an increase in the intensity of an acoustic wave causes a swirl, which mixes the gas in the radial direction, as a result of which the discharge in the tube shifts. An increase in the diameter of the positive column leads to an increase in the loss of charged particles on the walls of the tube, followed by an increase in the ionization frequency and the electric field. For a certain acoustic intensity, the voltage reaches a value that corresponds to the rated power of the supply unit, and at higher voltages the discharge is quenched.