I just got this in my E-mail. I sent the question in four or five months ago and they finally answered my question:
Dear Lu,
Sorry to be so late in responding. Just came across your note last week. Your definition is correct. Each particle (any particle) striking the blade adds a small charge to the blade. In turn, this is discharged, typically as a corona discharge, and may be visible to the eye and certainly with night vision goggles.
The piezoelectric event mentioned is new to this writer.
(This was in response to what Nick and several others said) Striking a crystallized structure (sand) can generate energy. i.e. a piezoelectric reaction with this one crystal. Imparting a static charge though is assumed to be the prominent phenomenon here, i.e. static charging of the blade which in turn is discharged.
Best regards,
DAYTON GRANGER, INC.
Karl H. Blomgren
Director of Marketing TEL: 954-463-3451
FAX: 954-761-3172
(Please, no snide remarks about the writer of this E-mail message)
