|
Journal of Microwave Power
and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE) |
|
|
TITLE |
Simulation of RF Coronas
Using the FE-FCT Method [PDF] |
|
AUTHORS |
G.E. Georghiou and A.C. Metaxas 2000 35 3 151-164 |
|
YEAR |
|
|
VOLUME |
|
|
ISSUE |
|
|
PAGES |
|
|
Abstract The precursor
of arcs in radio frequency heating systems, namely corona discharges, are
examined numerically in this paper, using the finite element-flux corrected
transport technique. A point-plane configuration is used as a first
approximation for a radio frequency applicator and the effects of the
operating frequency and pressure on the current output, charge densities,
corona onset voltage and light output are investigated. It was found that an
increase in the operating frequency around the radio frequency part of the spectrum, resulted in an increase in the corona onset
voltage, which accounts for the less arc-prone behavior
of microwave systems. Also, a decrease in the pressure resulted in a
reduction of the corona onset voltage, and thus the increased possibility of
arc formation in radio frequency systems operating under vacuum conditions. Key Words: FE-FCT, RF discharges, numerical simulations, corona, RF heating, conservation equations, continuity equations, Poisson's equation, coupled problem, finite elements |
|