Simulation of negative corona discharge in atmospheric air: from mode of Trichel pulses to stationary discharge

Abstract

Abstract The paper presents a 2D multi-fluid non-stationary model of a negative corona discharge in atmospheric-pressure air in the needle-to-plane diode. Discharges were simulated in gaps up to 1 cm with an applied voltage in the range of 8-100 kV. The simulation results demonstrate two stages of the discharge evolution: a pulsed-periodic stage called the Trichel pulses mode and a stationary glow discharge mode. The spatio-temporal distributions of the discharge plasma and electric field are shown in detail. Physical mechanism of Trichel pulses formation and transition to the stationary discharge are also revealed. The duration of the Trichel pulse mode gradually decreases with increasing of the applied voltage.