Self-consistent two-dimensional modeling of cold atmospheric-pressure plasma jets/bullets

Abstract

A computational modeling study of streamer propagation in a cold, atmospheric-pressure, helium jet in ambient air is presented. A self-consistent, multi-species, multi-temperature plasma model with detailed finite-rate chemistry and photoionization effects is used to provide fundamental insights into the structure and dynamics of the streamers. A parametric study of the streamer properties as a function of important discharge geometric and operating conditions is performed. The fluid mechanical mixing layer between the helium jet core and the ambient air is instrumental in guiding the propagation direction of the streamer and gives the plasma jet a visibly collimated appearance. The key chemical reactions which drive the streamer propagation are electron-impact ionization of helium neutral and nitrogen molecules. Photoionization plays a role in enhancing the propagation speed of the streamer, but is not necessary to sustain the streamer. The streamer yields a large radical concentration through chemical reactions in the streamer head and the body. The streamer propagation speed increases with reduced helium jet radius and increased helium–air mixing layer width. Impurities in the helium jet result in a significant increase in the discharge propagation speed within the tube through photoionization, but not after the streamer propagates into the open ambient region. It is also observed that thinner electrodes produce stronger electric-field concentrations that increase discharge propagation speeds within the tube but have a smaller influence on the discharge after it emerges out of the tube as a streamer.