Stochastic Modeling of Streamer Transitions

Abstract

Abstract-Simulations of the growth of streamers using a model based on the stochastic growth of a branching fractal tree have shown good fidelity in matching the morphology of streamers in liquids. An important aspect that has not yet been simulated is the transition between Type 1 and Type 2 streamers. This work explores the effect of a variation of the applied voltage during streamer growth as well as the effect of differing amounts of available electrons during growth. Neither of these assumptions produced the experimentally observed transitions. These results produced a possible approach that could modify the step length in the simulation in relation to the electric field that may trigger the transition. It also points out that the transition might be due to hydrodynamic instabilities that are not captured by the model.