Theory of Breakdown Wave Propagation

Abstract

The propagation of electrical breakdown waves in a gas is analyzed by assuming that the wave front of the breakdown wave is an electron shock wave. A simple three-fluid hydrodynamical model is used in which the partial pressure of the electron gas behind the shock zone is the primary source of the motion. A theoretical wave velocity of 2×${10}^7$ m/sec is predicted for an applied field of ${10}^4$ V/m in ${\mathrm{H}}_2$ at a pressure of 0.2 mm Hg. Since the propagation mechanism of the breakdown wave is mechanical, the model explains propagation equally well into either a positive or negative electric field. Qualitative agreement between theoretical and experimental breakdown wave velocities is obtained.