Numerical simulation of streamers in SF6

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Abstract
The results of computer simulations of streamer development and propagation are reported in SF6. The two‐dimensional algorithm makes use of flux‐corrected transport techniques for the solution of transport equation of charged species under the action of the space‐charge electric field. This field is obtained from the solution of Poisson’s equation assuming cylindrical symmetry. The role of attachment, space‐charge field, secondary electrons, and the shape and size of the initiating charge have been determined. The results presented are for a uniform applied field‐to‐gas density ratios (E/N) of 355–435 Td for background neutral ionization densities of 104–106 cm−3. The results in SF6, which is an attaching gas, are compared with a nonattaching gas like nitrogen.