Two-dimensional axisymmetric simulations and the heating effects associated with DC atmospheric pressure discharges during the post-streamer stage

Numerical results are presented for the development of the post-streamer discharge stage in atmospheric pressure air. The model used comprises Poisson, charged-particle continuity and Navier-Stokes equations developed in two-dimensional cylindrical axisymmetric co-ordinates. Applied direct current voltage of 20% above the breakdown threshold is applied in a 1 mm gap between two parallel plate electrodes. Starting from a single electron as the initial condition, the transitory regime from the streamer to the glow discharge is analysed, and the glow discharge is shown to consist of the cathode fall, negative glow, positive column and anode regions. The positive column is shown to propagate in the form of a return wave towards the anode. The very fast redistribution of the electric field just after the streamer hits the cathode is presented. Furthermore, the current density at the cathode fall and anode regions is shown to increase and extend radially outwards, justifying the inclusion of a two-dimensional axisymmetric model to study the radial effects in the discharge. Neutral gas heating starts to occur with the initiation of the post-streamer discharge stage, and the neutral gas temperature increases at the cathode by approximately 180 K