PIC-MCC simulation of single pulse DBD discharge evolution process
xueying Li, Yaogong Wang, Xiaoqin Ma, L. Chen, Monteiro De Vasco Francisco, Xiaoning Zhang
Abstract
Abstract The article explores the plasma evolution of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) driven by pulsed waveforms. A model is established using the Afivo adaptive grid framework and the particle-in-cell with Monte Carlo collision simulation method. The discussion includes the heavy particle reaction processes such as ion drift motion, photoemission, the accumulation and mapping of surface charges, and the two-body radiative recombination process. These elements contribute to a detailed examination of the plasma formation process and distribution. The simulation focuses on the first pulse of an argon DBD structure with a 180 μ m gas gap at 2 kPa. It analyzes the discharge under conditions of a voltage peak of 1000 V, with rise and fall times of 50 ns and a pulse width of 200 ns. The study investigates the evolution of electron and ion distributions in time-varying electric fields and examines the resultant changes in potential and electric field due to charged particle motion. The simulation results illustrate the initial discharge evolution at the rising edge of the pulse. Discharge extinction, occurring near the upper dielectric layer, is induced by the reverse electric field formed from surface charge accumulation during the pulse duration. Additionally, plasma packets within the entire cavity are generated at the falling edge of the pulse. Time-resolved plasma discharge intensity distribution is captured using intensified charged coupled device imaging, and comparisons with the proposed simulation model provide insights into the results. The article discusses the key factors in the formation of the plasma sheath at different time intervals and verifies the simulation results. The proposed model significantly contributes to our understanding of plasma dynamics and the evolution of long pulse width discharges by analyzing the discharge point evolution during the first pulse, which represents a steady state.