arXiv subjects

Aleksandar P. Jovanović

Publications and source records attributed to Aleksandar P. Jovanović.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

MCPlas, a MATLAB toolbox for reproducible plasma modelling with COMSOL

The MCPlas toolbox represents a collection of MATLAB functions for the automated generation of an equation-based fluid-Poisson model for non-thermal plasmas in the multiphysics simulation software COMSOL. Following the development of the new generation of the LXCat platform, all input data are prepared in a structured and interoperable JSON format and can be supplied and validated using existing JSON schemas. The toolbox includes fully transparent, editable MATLAB source code and offers an advanced description of electron transport in addition to commonly used approaches in the plasma modelling community. It supports one-dimensional and two-dimensional modelling geometries employing Cartesian, polar and cylindrical coordinate systems. MCPlas is tested on two reference cases: DC- and RF-driven low-pressure glow discharges in argon. Comparison of MCPlas results with results obtained by employing COMSOL's Plasma Module verifies the reliability of the plasma model implemented by MCPlas and demonstrates the significance of electron transport treatment and boundary conditions applied in the toolbox. Using the same examples, the easy handling of complex reaction kinetic models in MCPlas and the reusability of its JSON input data across different modelling platforms are illustrated. This demonstrates that MCPlas provides a transparent and reproducible workflow for the simulation of non-thermal plasmas using COMSOL.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2024

Nanosecond pulsed barrier discharge in argon for various frequencies and theoretical analysis of 2p states density ratios for E/N determination

Nanosecond pulsed barrier discharges in atmospheric pressure argon are simulated using spatially one- and two-dimensional fluid-Poisson models using the reaction kinetics model presented by Stankov et al. [1], which considers all ten argon 2p states (Paschen notation) separately. The very first (single) discharge and repetitive discharges with frequencies from 5kHz to 100kHz are considered and a semi-automated procedure is utilized to find appropriate 2p states for electric field determination using an intensity ratio method. The proposed method is based on a time-dependent collisional-radiative model enabling a sub-nanosecond plasma diagnostics, it links the 2p state density ratios to the reduced electric field strength E/N by quantifying the excitation rate coefficients and by computing 2p states effective lifetimes from the fluid model simulation. The semi-automated procedure identifies several candidates for determination of E/N from given temporal profiles of the 2p state densities. Different approaches for effective lifetime determination are tested and applied also to measured data. The influence of radial and axial 2p state density integration on the intensity ratio method is discussed. The above mentioned models and procedures result in a flexible theory-based methodology applicable for development of new diagnostic techniques.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2023

Formation mechanisms of striations in a filamentary dielectric barrier discharge in atmospheric pressure argon

Formation mechanisms of striations along the discharge channel of a single-filament dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in argon at atmospheric pressure are investigated by means of a time-dependent, spatially two-dimensional fluid-Poisson model. The model is applied to a one-sided DBD arrangement with a 1.5 mm gap using a sinusoidal high voltage at the powered metal electrode. The discharge conditions are chosen to mimic experimental conditions for which striations have been observed. It is found that the striations form in both half-periods during the transient glow phase, which follows the streamer breakdown phase. The modelling results show that the distinct striated structures feature local spatial maxima and minima in charged and excited particle densities, which are more pronounced during the positive polarity. Their formation is explained by a repetitive stepwise ionisation of metastable argon atoms and ionisation of excimers, causing a disturbance of the spatial distribution of charge carriers along the discharge channel. The results emphasise the importance of excited states and stepwise ionisation processes on the formation of repetitive ionisation waves, eventually leading to striations along the discharge channel.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2023

Introduction and verification of FEDM, an open-source FEniCS-based discharge modelling code

This paper introduces the FEDM (Finite Element Discharge Modelling) code, which was developed using the open-source computing platform FEniCS (https://fenicsproject.org). Building on FEniCS, the FEDM code utilises the finite element method to solve partial differential equations. It extends FEniCS with features that allow the automated implementation and numerical solution of fully-coupled fluid-Poisson models including an arbitrary number of particle balance equations. The code is verified using the method of exact solutions and benchmarking. The physically based examples of a time-of-flight experiment, a positive streamer discharge in atmospheric-pressure air and a low-pressure glow discharge in argon are used as rigorous test cases for the developed modelling code and to illustrate its capabilities. The performance of the code is compared to the commercial software package COMSOL Multiphysics\textsuperscript{\textregistered} and a comparable parallel speed-up is obtained. It is shown that the iterative solver implemented by FEDM performs particularly well on high-performance compute clusters.

physics.plasm-ph↗