Pulsed discharge plasma and its application is one of the promising directions in civilian areas of pulsed power technology. In order to promote the research and development of the theory and application technology for pulsed discharge plasma

we have reviewed recent progress in the mechanism of nanosecond-pulse gas discharge and the characteristics and applications of typical pulsed plasma. Firstly

progress in mechanism of nanosecond-pulse discharge based on runaway electrons and measurement technology of runaway electrons is introduced. Then

research on characteristics of three typical discharges

including direct-driven pulsed discharge

pulsed dielectric barrier discharge

and pulsed plasma jet

is reviewed. Furthermore

typical plasma applications of surface modification

active flow control

ignition and combustion

and methane conversion are presented. Finally

the development trend on nanosecond-pulse gas discharge and pulsed plasma application are proposed based on the analysis of research status of pulsed discharge plasma.