The discussion centers on the differences between corona discharge and dielectric breakdown, exploring their definitions, mechanisms, and characteristics. Participants examine the conditions under which each phenomenon occurs and the nature of the plasma involved.
Participants express differing views on whether corona discharge and dielectric breakdown are fundamentally the same or different processes. While some agree on the distinctions in plasma characteristics and current flow, the overall discussion remains unresolved regarding a definitive consensus on their relationship.
Participants reference thermodynamic properties and mechanisms without fully resolving the definitions or implications of each phenomenon. The discussion highlights the complexity of the concepts involved and the need for further clarification on specific terms.
Thermodynamically, a corona is a very nonequilibrium process, creating a non-thermal plasma. The avalanche mechanism does not release enough energy to heat the gas in the corona region generally and ionize it, as occurs in an electric arc or spark. Only a small number of gas molecules take part in the electron avalanches and are ionized, having energies close to the ionization energy of 1 - 3 ev, the rest of the surrounding gas is close to ambient temperature.