Calculation of unipolar space charge current and pressure at high potential

The nonohmic current that can occur in solids, liquids and gases when unipolar ions are in a region of high potential is addressed. Ions in an electric field gain momentum, and this momentum is transferred to neutral molecules through collisions. The coupling between the electric field, the ions and the neutrals gives rise to the electric or corona wind. A simple analytic equation is developed which describes the nonohmic behavior of electrical devices at high potential due to this coupling. The implications of this equation for the measurement of surface resistivity and in understanding corona chargers are discussed. The equation is then used to show that the corona wind pressure is linearly related to the electrical current