Numerical Simulations of Atmospheric Pressure Dielectric Barrier Discharges

Dielectric Barrier Discharges (DBDs) are non-thermal gas discharges generated between two parallel electrodes separated by a dielectric material. DBDs are extensively used in various configurations to produce cold plasma at atmospheric pressure. The dynamics of pattern formation in DBDs depend on various operating conditions and have been observed in many experiments and simulations. In previous work, we have simulated plasma self-organization in helium DBD, indicating that surface charges play a crucial role in pattern formation [1]. However, comprehending the intricate physics and chemistry of DBDs under various discharge conditions has always posed a challenge. Hence, the main objective of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of fundamental physics and elucidate the mechanisms responsible for different discharge modes. We employ 1D and 2D simulations in argon and helium DBD using commercial software COMSOL multiphysics and CFD-ACE+ to analyze the impact of finite resistivity of dielectric layers, relative permittivity, secondary emission coefficient, driving voltage, and frequency on the pattern formation. We will discuss the various discharge modes (Townsend and Glow mode) observed in DBDs under different conditions. The insights gained from our simulations will contribute to advancing plasma-based technologies using DBDs.