Numerical simulation of atmospheric Dielectric Barrier Discharge in helium gas using COMSOL Multiphysics

Abstract

In this work, a one dimensional model of DBD discharge plasma at atmospheric pressure (APP) with helium working gas is presented. This model solves the continuity equations for charged species and the electron energy balance equation, coupled with Poisson's equation, by the finite element method; using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The simulation is performed with dielectric barrier discharge plasma created using peak-to-peak voltage of 1 kV, a discharge gap of 3 mm and a low frequency of 200 Hz. DBD plasma simulation results are given in terms of temporal variations of plasma electric characteristics such gas voltage, discharge current and charge/voltage Lissajous figure. The discharge behavior is studied as a function of external parameters such as the width of the discharge space and the nature of the dielectric through the value of its dielectric constant.