Verification methods for drift–diffusion reaction models for plasma simulations

Abstract

Compared to other computational physics areas such as codes for general computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the documentation of verification methods for plasma fluid codes remains under developed. Current analytical solutions for plasma are often highly limited in terms of testing highly coupled physics, due to the harsh assumptions needed to derive even simple plasma equations. This work highlights these limitations, suggesting the method of manufactured solutions (MMS) as a potential option for future verification efforts. To demonstrate the flexibility of MMS in verifying these highly coupled systems, the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework was utilized. Thanks to the MOOSE framework’s robustness and modularity, as well as to its physics module capabilities and ecosystem applications (i.e., Zapdos and the Chemical Reaction Network [CRANE]) developed for plasma physics modeling and simulation, this report lays the groundwork for a structured method of conducting plasma fluid code verification.

Estimation of mean electron energy in helium surface ionization waves on dielectric substrates

“…The solution to the set of rate equations dictated by equation ( 2) is accomplished using the open-source code network solver Chemical ReAction NEtworks (CRANE) [36]. CRANE has previously been through a verification and validation process when coupled to fluid codes for low to atmospheric pressure plasma discharges [37][38][39][40]. CRANE uses tabulated energy dependent reaction rates calculated from BOLSIG+ [41].…”

The MOOSE Electromagnetics Module

“…In Ref. [22], the MOOSE-EMM is being used to expand the capability of a MOOSE-based code, Zapdos, developed to study electrostatic, capacitively-coupled, low temperature plasma discharges. By adding Maxwell's equation solve capabilities to Zapdos, a greater number of plasma and plasma processing scenarios can be studied, including high frequency and inductively coupled discharges.…”