Theoretical Simulation of Nanosecond High Pressure Gas Discharge in the Pin-to-Plate Gap

Abstract

The paper presents the results of numerical simulation of a nanosecond discharge in the diode of the pin-to-plate filled with nitrogen of atmospheric pressure. The simulation was carried out on the basis of the hydrodynamic model of the discharge, taking into account both the process of electron ionization and photoionization of the gas. It is shown that in the absence of photoionization discharge develops in an unstable scenario, and photoionization suppresses this instability. Comparison of the theoretical results and experimental data shows good correlation of spatial structures discharge.