MODEL OF A GLOW-DISCHARGE IN A TURBULENT GAS-FLOW

In this paper we propose a model of a glow discharge in a turbulent fl ow. The electron density is calculated using a conservation equation. We assume that the gas flow acts on the electron density and the Shwar tz model is used to model the change of diffusivity due to turbulence. In order to show the effects of the turbulence on the electron densit y, we use a 1D model of a stable electric discharge in to a turbulent flow. The model shows that the increase in turbulent diffusivity at hi gh Reynolds numbers tends to flatten the electron density profiles. Th eoretical results are in good agreement with the reported measures. Ne xt, the model was applied to a 2D argon axisymmetric turbulent compres sible steady flow. This study shows that when plasma oscillations and turbulence fluctuations of the neutral gas are correlated the temperat ure profile flattens. Finally, we study electronic distribution into a 3D plasma column in a dissymmetrical flow. (C) Elsevier, Paris.