NAME-RAHUL BORA

ROLL No-25
Reg No-12317431
SUBJECT-PHYSICS
TOPIC-ELECTRIC DICHARGE:
CAUSES,EFFECTSAND SOLUTION
 TOPIC
ELECTROSTATIC
DISCHARGE:CAUSES,EFFECTS &
SOLUTION
 CONTENTS
1. Introduction to Electrostatic Discharge.
2. Basic Principle of electrostatic Discharge.
3. Advantage And Disadvantage.
4. Application.
5. Challenges & Future Development
6. Conclusion
7. Reference
8. Bibliography
AKNOWLEDGEMENT
IN Performing Our Assignment, we had to
take the help of our guidline of the one
who deserves our greatest gratitude.The
completion of this assignment gives us so
much pleasure.We would like to show our
gratitude to sir Alex.AK, Lovely Professional
University, Jalandhar for giving us this
assignment the purpose of which was to
increase our knowledge and to do some
practical work on this assignment.
 INTRODUCTION
• Definition of Electrical Discharge.
• Historical background
• Electrical discharge refers to the flow of electricity
through a medium such as air, gas, or liquid,
resulting in the release of energy in the form of
light, heat, and/or sound. This phenomenon occurs
when a sufficient voltage is applied across two
conductors separated by a non-conductive
medium, causing electrons to be stripped from
atoms in the medium creating a conductive path to
the electricity to flow. Electric discharge can take
various forms, including sparks arcs and corona
discharges and they are commonly observed In
phenomena such as lightning, electric sparks and
fluorescent lightning.
Electric Discharge
1.Early Observations: The phenomenon of electrical
discharge has been observed for centuries, with early
records of static electricity generated by rubbing
materials together. Ancient Greek philosophers like
Thales of Miletus (circa 600 BCE) noted the effects of
static electricity, although they did not have a
comprehensive understanding of the underlying
principles.

2.Development of Theories: In the 17th and

18th centuries, scientists such as Otto von
Guericke, Stephen Gray, and Benjamin
Franklin conducted experiments with static
electricity, leading to the formulation of
theories to explain electrical phenomena.
Franklin's famous kite experiment in 1752
provided evidence of the electrical nature of
lightning.
 3.Invention of the Leyden Jar: In 1745, Pieter van
Musschenbroek and Ewald Georg von Kleist independently
invented the Leyden jar, a device capable of storing static
electricity. This invention facilitated further experimentation
with electrical discharges and laid the groundwork for the
development of capacitors.

4.Discovery of Electrical Conductivity in Gases: In the 19th

century, researchers began investigating the behavior of
electricity in gases. In 1859, Julius Plücker and Johann
Wilhelm Hittorf observed that an electric current could pass
through a vacuum tube filled with gas, leading to the discovery
of electrical conductivity in gases.

5.Cathode Rays and Electron Discovery: In the late 19th

century, experiments with vacuum tubes by scientists like
William Crookes and Johann Wilhelm Hittorf led to the
discovery of cathode rays, which were later identified as
streams of electrons by J.J. Thomson in 1897. This discovery
laid the foundation for understanding the behavior of charged
particles in electrical discharges.
6.Development of Gas Discharge Lamps: In the early 20th
century, researchers such as Peter Cooper Hewitt and Georges
Claude developed practical applications of electrical discharge,
including gas discharge lamps such as neon lights and
fluorescent tubes.

7.Advancements in Plasma Physics: Throughout the 20th

century, advancements in plasma physics furthered our
understanding of electrical discharges. Research in areas such
as magnetohydrodynamics and nuclear fusion contributed to
both scientific understanding and practical applications of
electrical discharges.

8.Modern Applications: Today, electrical discharge

technology finds applications in various fields, including
lighting, welding, plasma cutting, and materials processing.
Ongoing research continues to explore new ways to harness
electrical discharges for diverse application.
Challenges:
•Control and stability: One challenge in electrical discharge
applications is achieving precise control and stability of the
discharge process, especially in technologies like plasma
cutting and welding.
•Efficiency and energy consumption: While electrical
discharge processes can be highly effective, optimizing their
efficiency and reducing energy consumption remains a
challenge, particularly in large-scale industrial applications.
•Material erosion and wear: In processes like EDM, where
electrical discharges are used for material removal, managing
erosion and wear of electrodes and workpieces is a challenge.
•Safety: Electrical discharges can pose safety risks, especially
in high-voltage applications. Mitigating these risks and
ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment is crucial.
Future Prospects:
1.Energy and Environmental Applications:
1.Plasma-based waste treatment: Electric discharge
technologies, such as plasma arc gasification, are being
explored for environmentally friendly waste treatment,
converting organic waste into syngas or other useful
byproducts.
2.Carbon capture and utilization: Plasma-based
techniques could play a role in capturing and
converting carbon dioxide into valuable products,
aiding in efforts to mitigate climate change.
2.Advanced Manufacturing:
3.Additive manufacturing: Electric discharge
technologies, such as selective laser melting (SLM) and
electron beam melting (EBM), are advancing additive
manufacturing processes, enabling the production of
complex metal parts with improved properties.
4.Nanofabrication: Electric discharge techniques,
including electrospark deposition and electrochemical
machining, could be further developed for precise
nanoscale fabrication and surface modification.
Basic Principle of electric Discharge
The basic principle of electric discharge revolves around the
movement of electric charge through a medium, often resulting
in the release of energy in various forms such as light, heat,
and sound. Here's a breakdown of the fundamental principles
involved:
1.Electric Potential Difference (Voltage): Electric discharge
typically occurs when there is a potential difference (voltage)
between two points in a conductive medium or between a
conductor and the surrounding medium. This potential
difference creates an electric field that can cause electric
charges to move.
2.Ionization of the Medium: When the electric field strength
exceeds a certain threshold, it can ionize the atoms or
molecules in the medium. This ionization process involves the
removal or addition of electrons from atoms or molecules,
creating ions and free electrons.
3.Creation of Plasma: As more electrons are freed from atoms
or molecules, the medium becomes a plasma, which is a state
of matter where a significant portion of the particles are
ionized. Plasma is conductive and allows for the flow of
electric current.
4.Electric Current Flow: With the establishment of a
conductive path through the plasma, electric current begins
to flow between the two points of differing potential. This
current flow constitutes the electric discharge.
5.Energy Release: As the electric current flows through the
medium, energy is released in the form of heat, light, and
sometimes sound, depending on the specific conditions of
the discharge and the properties of the medium.
6.Termination of Discharge: The discharge typically
continues until the potential difference between the two
points decreases below a certain threshold, or until the
properties of the medium change sufficiently to inhibit
further ionization and current flow.
Electrical Discharge
Machining
APPLICATION OF ELECTRIC DISCHARGE:
Electrical discharging finds applications across a wide
range of industries and scientific fields due to its ability to
generate light, heat, and other forms of energy. Some
notable applications include:
1.Lighting Technology:
1.Incandescent Lamps: Electrical discharge is used in
incandescent lamps, where electricity passes through a
filament, heating it to produce light.
2.Fluorescent Lamps: Fluorescent lamps use electric
discharge through a gas or vapor to excite phosphors,
resulting in the emission of visible light.
3.Neon Signs: Neon signs utilize electrical discharge in
neon gas to create colorful illumination, commonly
used in advertising and decorative lighting.
2.Welding and Cutting:
1.Arc Welding: Processes like shielded metal arc
welding (SMAW) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
use electric discharge to generate an arc between the
welding electrode and the workpiece, producing intense
heat for joining metal parts.
2.Plasma Cutting: Electric discharge is employed in
plasma cutting systems to create a high-temperature
plasma jet, which melts and cuts through metal with
precision.
3.Material Processing:
1.Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM): EDM utilizes
controlled electrical discharges to remove material from
workpieces, allowing for the production of intricate shapes
with high precision, commonly used in tool and die
making and aerospace industries.
2.Electrochemical Machining (ECM): ECM employs
electric discharges in an electrolyte solution to remove
material from a workpiece through anodic dissolution,
suitable for machining complex shapes in electrically
conductive materials.
4.Environmental and Healthcare:
3.Air Purification: Electric discharge-based technologies
like electrostatic precipitators and corona discharge ozone
generators are used for air purification, removing
pollutants and microorganisms from the air.
4.Medical Treatment: Plasma medicine explores the use of
electric discharge-generated plasma for medical
applications such as wound sterilization, cancer treatment,
and tissue regeneration.
5.Space Propulsion:
•Ion Thrusters: Electric discharge-based ion
thrusters are used in spacecraft propulsion systems
for long-duration missions, providing efficient thrust
by accelerating ions using electric fields.
ADVANTAGES:
Electric discharge offers several advantages across various
applications, making it a versatile and valuable technology.
Some of the key advantages include:
1.High Energy Density: Electric discharge processes can
generate intense heat, light, and other forms of energy in a
localized area, allowing for efficient material processing,
welding, and cutting.
2.Precision and Control: In processes like Electrical
Discharge Machining (EDM), electric discharge can be
precisely controlled to remove material from workpieces with
high accuracy, enabling the production of intricate shapes and
complex geometries.
3.Non-contact Processing: Electric discharge processes often
do not require physical contact between the tool and the
workpiece, reducing the risk of mechanical damage and
enabling machining of delicate or brittle materials.
DISADVANTAGES:
1.Limited Material Compatibility: Electric discharge
processes may not be suitable for all materials. For example,
non-conductive materials or those with poor thermal
conductivity may pose challenges in achieving efficient and
reliable discharge, limiting the range of applications.
2.Surface Damage and Recast Layer: In processes like
Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), the material removal
mechanism can create a recast layer and heat-affected zone
on the workpiece surface, which may affect surface finish,
dimensional accuracy, and material properties.
3.Slow Material Removal Rates: Electric di\scharge
processes often have slower material removal rates compared
to conventional machining methods, particularly in EDM,
which can lead to longer processing times for manufacturing
complex parts.
4.High Initial Investment and Operating Costs: Equipment
for electric discharge processes, such as EDM machines and
plasma generators, can be expensive to purchase, install, and
maintain. Additionally, operating costs, including electricity
consumption and consumable electrode materials, can
contribute to overall expenses.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, electric discharge is a versatile and valuable
technology with diverse applications across multiple
industries and scientific fields. While it offers numerous
advantages such as high energy density, precision machining
capabilities, and environmental friendliness, there are also
challenges and limitations to consider, including material
compatibility issues, slow material removal rates, and safety
concerns.
Despite these drawbacks, ongoing research and technological
advancements continue to enhance the efficiency, reliability,
and versatility of electric discharge processes. With
advancements in materials science, control systems, and
environmental management, electric discharge technologies
are poised to play an increasingly important role in
manufacturing, energy generation, environmental remediation,
healthcare, and scientific exploration.
Overall, electric discharge represents a powerful tool for
material processing, surface modification, energy generation,
and scientific investigation, offering opportunities for
innovation, efficiency gains, and sustainable development in a
wide range of applications. By addressing the associated
challenges and leveraging its inherent strengths, electric
discharge will continue to contribute to advancements in
industry, research, and society as a whole.
1.Books:
1."Electric Discharges, Waves, and Impulses" by E.M.
Bazelyan and Yu.P. Raizer: This book provides a
comprehensive overview of various aspects of electric
discharge phenomena, including theory, experimental
methods, and practical applications.
2."Electric Discharge Lamps" by John Wiley & Sons: This
book covers the principles, design, and applications of
electric discharge lamps, including fluorescent lamps,
high-intensity discharge lamps, and neon signs.
2.Scientific Journals:
IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science: This journal publishes
peer-reviewed research articles on various topics related to
plasma physics, electric discharges, and their applications in
technology and engineering.

3.Online Resources:
Plasma Science and Technology - Plasma Sources Science and
Technology: This journal focuses on research articles and
reviews in the field of plasma science and technology,
including electric discharge phenomena and their applications.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Bazelyan, E.M., & Raizer, Yu.P. (1998). Electric Discharges,
Waves, and Impulses. CRC Press.
• Bosanquet, C.H. (2008). The Theory of Electric Discharge
Through Gases. BiblioBazaar.
• Holstein-Rathlou, C., & Ratje, G. (Eds.). (2009). Electric
Discharges: Principles and Applications. Springer Science &
Business Media.
• Hammer, R.L., & Graboski, M.S. (1987). Electric Discharge
Light Sources. Wiley-VCH.
Journal Articles:
5. Stalder, K.R. (2002). Electrical Discharges in Low-Pressure
Gases: A Review of Phenomena and Applications. IEEE
Transactions on Plasma Science, 30(4), 1465-1480.
6.Kushner, M.J., Staack, D., & Stoltz, P.H. (2005). Challenges
and Opportunities in Plasma-Surface Processing of
Nanometer-Scale Features. Journal of Physics D: Applied
Physics, 38(15), R1-R22.