Computer simulation of a nitrogen discharge considering the radial electron drift

Abstract

The single-channel model of computer simulation of narrow transient discharges in gases devised by Davies et al. (1971) is modified to give a multichannel model which takes into account the radial flow of electrons in the gas and from the cathode. This model improves the treatment of the cathode photon secondary electron flow and also makes it possible to simulate the radial discharge development. The simulation result for a nitrogen discharge shows a more natural propagation of luminosity towards the cathode. The radial luminosity distribution which appears reasonable, is also shown.