VizGrain: a new computational tool for particle simulations of reactive plasma discharges and rarefied flow physics

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents recent progress on the development of the new multi-purpose particle modeling and simulation tool VizGrain. A unique aspect of VizGrain is that it allows computational modeling of particle dynamics in a variety of systems, including rarefied gas dynamics, macroscopic particle dynamics (e.g., dust particles, droplets, etc), particle-in-cell modeling, and hybrid continuum-particle modeling within a single integrated framework. VizGrain allows working with atomic sized particles and particles with finite macroscopic sizes. The former approach is used to model rarefied gas dynamics and conventional non-equilibrium plasmas, while the finite sized macro-particles are considered for the modeling of dusty plasmas, aerosols, droplets etc. In this latter case, the electrical charge up of particles in a plasma environment is considered. The model features a comprehensive variety of drag forces that can act on both atomic and macro-particles. A detailed description of the physical models implemented within VizGrain is presented, to provide insights into the approach that can be taken in other particle-based codes in the community. These models are scrupulously validated against the benchmark problems proposed in the research literature for a variety of applications from the plasma reactors used in semiconductor industry to high-speed rarefied gas dynamics problems.