Numerical Treatment of the Axisymmetric Column of a Gas Discharge for Intermediate and High Plasma Densities.
Abstract
At intermediate and high plasma densities, the positive column of a gas discharge is governed by a two point boundary value problem for a stiff system of ordinary differential equations. A method to isolate the stiff components is shown. It avoids the drawback of the approach used for the slab symmetry, i.e. the representation is applicable at the axis of symmetry. The key is a transformation of the equations based on asymptotic particular solution of the homogeneous linearized system, which are found by inspection. The method, although simple in its concept, requires a considerable amount of analytic preparation and rather cumbersome programming. In the slab problem it is more convenient (but perhaps less systematic) than the approach used previously. The present method, as that for slab symmetry, will not deteriorate for high plasma densities. Some examples have been computed. The asymptotic expansions, which are taken as starting approximations, are surprisingly good even for fairly low plasma densities. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0724112
Entities
People
- E. Marian Valentine
- Karl G. Guderley
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory