Technology of modeling of plasma parameters of an overvoltage nanosecond discharge using the particle-in-cell method and software implementation

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this scientific work is a comparative analysis of numerical modeling methods that are an integral part of modern scientific research, especially in complex physical systems such as plasma and the development of a technology for numerical modeling of plasma parameters of an overvoltage nanosecond discharge using the Particle-In-Cell (PIC) method for analyzing the dynamics of electrons, ions and their interaction with electromagnetic fields. The study is aimed at obtaining a detailed understanding of the physical processes occurring in non-equilibrium plasma and determining the main discharge parameters, such as electron density, electron energy, drift velocity, electric and magnetic fields, as well as the features of the formation of streamers and ionization waves.

Research methods. The work uses the Particle-In-Cell (PIC) method for numerical modeling of plasma dynamics, which combines the kinetic description of the motion of charged particles with the calculation of electromagnetic fields on a regular grid. Difference schemes are used to solve Maxwell's equations, and interpolation algorithms and charge density calculations are used to model particle interactions. Methods for analyzing the spectral characteristics of plasma are also used to validate the results.

Results. The results obtained will allow optimizing the conditions for creating plasma for applications in technological processes, such as material synthesis, plasma chemistry, sensors, and optoelectronics. The results are consistent with experimental data for similar discharge conditions, in particular in air mixtures at atmospheric pressure. The method demonstrated high accuracy in modeling non-stationary processes characteristic of nanosecond discharges, such as the formation of streamers and ionization waves.

Conclusions. It is established that the numerical approach provides a detailed understanding of the behavior of plasma in non-equilibrium conditions, which opens up prospects for optimizing technological processes in plasma chemistry, materials science and ecology. Despite the high computational complexity, the PIC method is an effective tool for studying plasma phenomena in complex physical conditions. Future research is to further improve numerical models for more accurate modeling of processes in plasma under various overvoltage conditions. The development of combined approaches that combine PIC methods with other models, in particular hydrodynamic ones, for a more effective description of multicomponent plasma systems is expected. The application of these models in plasma chemistry technologies, materials science, sensors and optoelectronics opens up new opportunities for creating innovative materials and systems.