Numerical simulation of atmospheric pulse-modulated radio-frequency glow discharge ignition characteristics assisted by a pulsed discharge

Abstract

A one-dimensional self-consistent fluid numerical model was developed to study the ignition characteristics of a pulse-modulated (PM) radio-frequency (RF) glow discharge in atmospheric helium assisted by a sub-microsecond voltage excited pulsed discharge. The temporal evolution of discharge current density and electron density during PM RF discharge burst was investigated to demonstrate the discharge ignition characteristics with or without the pulsed discharge. Under the assistance of pulsed discharge, the electron density in RF discharge burst reaches the magnitude of 1.87×10 17 m −3 within 10 RF cycles, accompanied by the formation of sheath structure. It proposes that the pulsed discharge plays an important role in the ignition of PM RF discharge burst. Furthermore, the dynamics of PM RF glow discharge are demonstrated by the spatiotemporal evolution of the electron density with and without pulsed discharge. The spatial profiles of electron density, electron energy and electric field at specific time instants are given to explain the assistive role of the pulsed discharge on PM RF discharge ignition.

Comparing Study on Formation of Large Discharge Currents in Atmospheric Pulse-Modulated Radio Frequency Discharges

“…In pulse-modulated RF discharges, the residual species from the previous RF discharge are believed to be useful for the next ignition of RF discharge burst [34], however, due to the discharge ignition and power consumption are difficult to balance, the time interval between two adjacent RF discharges is hard to optimize by controlling duty cycle and modulation frequency [35]. In consideration of the short-pulsed discharge can produce high plasma density instantaneously [21], [36], [37], a sub-microsecond pulsed voltage is introduced into the interval between two consecutive RF discharges to reduce the ignition time and enhance the ignition current density of RF discharge by experimental and computational researches [35], [38], [39]. Further numerical data show that large discharge currents (LDCs) can be observed during the first RF cycle of the power-on phase, which is expected to be widely applied for many applications because of the generation of high-energy electrons in this process [40], [41].…”

Application study on plasma ignition in aeroengine strut–cavity–injector integrated afterburner

“…However, less attention has been paid to new ignition technology of afterburners. In recent years, plasma ignition has been singled out due to its many attractive advantages [22][23][24][25]. Because the generation of plasma is accompanied by heat, active particles, ionic wind, Coulomb force, and Lorentz force, the mechanism of plasma ignition can be characterized by high-temperature, chemical, and jet flame effects [26][27][28][29].…”