The validity of the one-dimensional fluid model of electrical breakdown in synthetic air at low pressure

Abstract

In this letter the validity of the fluid model used to simulate the electrical breakdown in air at low pressure is discussed. The new method for the determination of the ionization source term for the mixed gases is proposed. Paschen's curve obtained by the fluid model is compared to the available experimental data. The electron and ions density profiles calculated by the fluid model are presented. Based on Ohm's law, the current and voltage waveforms are calculated and compared to the ones measured by the oscilloscope in the synthetic-air filled tube with stainless-steel electrodes. It is shown that the one-dimensional fluid model can be used for modeling the electrical breakdown at pd values higher than Paschen's minimum and to determine stationary values of electron and ions densities.