On streamer dynamics in dense media

Streamer dynamics in dense dielectric media is considered both analytically and numerically. It is shown that for streamer propagation in gases at relatively low densities (at pressures of the order of 1 bar) similarity laws are valid. At greater densities the similarity is violated because of loss of electrons in streamer channel caused by the electron-ion recombination process. An analytical streamer model with account of the latter process is presented. valid for description of streamer dynamics in media with high densities (gases at pressures greater than similar to 10 bar, dielectric liquids). Obtained estimates for streamer parameters are compared with results of numerical simulation of streamer propagation in liquid xenon. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.