Analysis of main regularities of periodic discharge passing in fluid stream

This paper describes the basic processes in the gas discharge plasma accompanying the jet of liquid flowing between the high-voltage electrode in the form of a tubular tip and the plane grounded electrode. The process is quasi-periodic due to a jet break caused by the "core" discharge on the surface of the jet and the arising shock wave. The main discharge is accompanied by one or more pinch discharges. At the bottom of a pinch in the metal there occurs a zone with (100 ÷ 300) micron size and with ultra-high energy release, where the metal is hardened. The paper analyzes the cause of formation of pinches and of formation of channels in the matter of the anode which are similar to channels generated in gas during the passage of intense beams. The paper concludes that there is a self-focusing mechanism not previously studied.