Accuracy of the iterative method for swarm transport coefficients

Abstract

We consider the iterative method of solving the Boltzmann equation for swarm experiments. The accuracy of this technique has been called into question by Lin, Robson, and Mason for parallel diffusion coefficient (D₁₁) calculations in certain circumstances. We have performed several numerical tests of the iterative method and find no errors outside of the original estimates. Furthermore, independent work using a standard two‐term expansion of the Boltzmann equation finds results for the two‐term approximation to D₁₁ in significant disagreement with those reported by Lin, Robson, and Mason.