Comparisons of computational methods to represent electron transport in nonequilibrium plasma devices

Low pressure optically triggered pseudosparks, or Back-Lit Thyratrons (BLT), are inherently multidimensional transient devices. The method employed to model electron transport in such devices is therefore problematic. A versatile model for these switches with which to compare different modeling approaches has been developed. In the two-dimensional, time dependent model, fluid equations are solved to obtain the electron and ion densities, and Poisson's equation is solved for the electric potential. These equations can be solved using the local field approximation (LFA), employing conservation equations for the bulk electron energy and momentum, or adding multiple beam components to the electron energy distribution. Combinations of these methods can also be employed. The model has been exercised to determine the parameter space, e.g., gas pressure, voltage, electrode gaps, in which each of these methods can be reliably used. Due to the induction time required to achieve quasi-equilibrium conditions, employing the energy equation and beam components typically slows the response of the switch compared to using the LFA.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Pak, Hoyoung

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kushner, Mark J.

• Physics, Fluid and Plasma

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1991 Pak, Hoyoung

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI9136688
(UMI)AAI9136688

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/23337