# Collaborative Research: Corona Discharge in Electrified Storms Initiated by Particle-Laden Atmospheric Turbulence

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Johns Hopkins University (MD) · $341,107

## Abstract

Lightning is the most well-known component of the electrical nature of Earth’s atmosphere, but other electrical processes are critical to the composition of the atmosphere.  Corona discharges are significant contributors to the development of the hydroxyl radical, which is a compound that reacts with many pollutants and has an important role in eliminating atmospheric methane and ozone.  This study will investigate the role of turbulence in the development of corona discharges inside of clouds by performing controlled laboratory experiments.  Beyond the implications for lightning and pollution, corona discharges are impactful in industrial manufacturing and relevant for future planetary science missions.

The research team plans to test the key hypothesis that turbulence brings inertial particles carrying opposite charges together and causes significant local field enhancement, which exceeds the breakdown limit and initiates both subvisible corona and visible discharges.  The primary mechanism to address this hypothesis is through controlled laboratory experiments using a Homogeneous and Isotropic Turbulence (HIT) chamber.  The chamber is a cubic box with a side length of 1 meter and made of transparent acrylic panels allowing for the use of optical instruments.  The research team will be able to control the turbulence, external electric field, and the droplet concentration, charges, and diameter.  Measurements will include particle motion by particle image velocimetry, par

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2503739
- **Awardee organization:** Johns Hopkins University (MD)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FTMTDMBR29C7
- **PI:** Rui Ni
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $341,107
- **Funds obligated:** $341,107
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2503739

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2503739, Collaborative Research: Corona Discharge in Electrified Storms Initiated by Particle-Laden Atmospheric Turbulence. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2503739. Licensed CC0.

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