Simulations of a surface glow discharge in a supersonic gas flow in the presence of external ionization

Journal Article · Thu Sep 15 04:00:00 EDT 2011 · Plasma Physics Reports

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1134/S1063780X11070014· OSTI ID:22047506

Aleksandrov, A L ^[1]

---

1. Russian Academy of Sciences, Khristianovich Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Siberian Branch (Russian Federation)

Results of two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of a surface glow discharge operating at pressures of 0.2-0.5 Torr in a nitrogen flow propagating with a velocity of 1000 m/s in the presence of external ionization are presented. The effect of the external ionization rate on discharge operation is analyzed. The current-voltage characteristics of the discharge are calculated for different intensities of external ionization in both the presence and absence of secondary electron emission from the cathode. The discharge structure and plasma parameters in the vicinity of the loaded electrode are considered. It is shown that, when the discharge operates at the expense of secondary emission from the cathode, the discharge current and cathode sheath configuration are insensitive to external ionization. It is also demonstrated that, even at a high rate of external ionization, the discharge operates due to secondary emission from the cathode.

• OSTI ID: 22047506
• Journal Information: Plasma Physics Reports, Journal Name: Plasma Physics Reports Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 37; ISSN PPHREM; ISSN 1063-780X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
CATHODES
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRON EMISSION
GAS FLOW
GLOW DISCHARGES
IONIZATION
NITROGEN
PLASMA
PLASMA PRESSURE
PLASMA SIMULATION
SECONDARY EMISSION