In order to study the electrical characteristics and arc gliding rules of gliding arc discharge under different flow rates and voltages

we investigated the atmospheric pressure AC gliding arc discharge by adopting electrical and image measurements for three kinds of electrode geometrical structures. The results show that there are two gliding modes in the discharge programs

the Steady Arc Gliding（A-G） mode and the Breakdown Gliding（B-G） mode. There exist significant differences in electrical characteristic and arc gliding form between them

and they are affected by the flow rate

discharge voltage

and electrode structure. The arc form and its development process are significantly influenced by flow field circumstance. The arc form tends to the A-G mode with the decrease of flow rate

the smaller the flow rate is

the greater gliding range and period are. A-G mode discharge accounts for more than 66% for A-type of electrode when flow rate is less than 33.3 L/min.