Two-dimensional modeling of the electrical breakdown in rare gases

In this work a two-dimensional numerical study of dielectric barrier discharge has been proposed in order to understand the breakdown process in rare gases. We used a fluid model which is based on the numerical solution of the two Boltzmann equations (continuity and momentum); these equations are coupled to the Poisson’s equation. This model allowed us to plot the Paschen curve, which represents the breakdown voltage as a function of pressure-distance product. The aim of the study is to optimize the applied voltage and to understand how the discharge geometry and other physical parameters such as the secondary emission coefficient affected the breakdown voltage.