An Effect of Turbulent Diffusion on the Glow Discharge-to-Arc Transition.
Abstract
In this thesis, an effect of turbulent gas flow on the glow discharge-to-arc transition is investigated. This is accomplished by solving the continuity equation for charged particles by two different numerical processes. They are a linearized solution and a non-linear numerical solution. The numerical results using an axi-symmetric cylindrical geometry show the charge particle density profile with respect to radial distance, time and diffusion coefficient. The effective increase in the diffusion coefficient between laminar and turbulent gas flow causes the charge density profile to expand more radially outward. This reduces the charge density within the original streamer volume tube causing a reduction in the conductivity of the streamer. This reduction in conductivity may possibly lead to a delay in the development of a breakdown streamer. As a result, the gas may be raised to higher current levels before breakdown occurs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA128553
Entities
People
- Richard J. Wallace
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School