Numerical Studies of High Power Microwave Argon breakdown based on SETD method

Abstract

This article concentrates on the high-power microwave (HPM) argon breakdown process and behaviors under different conditions. The electromagnetic (EM)–plasma interactions in the breakdown process are modeled by a nonlinearly coupled Maxwell’s equations and plasma fluid system equations and solved by the spectral-element time-domain (SETD) method. Meanwhile, dominant physical mechanisms (ionization versus diffusion) were accurately captured during the plasma formation process. Our research provides theoretical guidance for the understanding physical mechanism of HPM breakdown.