MODEL CALCULATIONS ON THE POSITIVE-COLUMN OF A MEDIUM PRESSURE INERT-GAS DISCHARGE

A model for the positive column of the medium pressure neon and argon discharge is presented. The model is based on the particle balance equations, the temperature equations and the equation for the discharge current. For the calculation of the reaction coefficients the electron energy distribution function calculated in ref. 1 has been used. The equations have been solved numerically. The results of the calculations are compared with experimental data. The model is compared with other models presented in the literature. We discuss the constriction phenomenon and the physical mechanisms which are of importance for the constriction. Herefrom arguments follow for a connection between the constriction and the appearance of striations in the considered pressure current range. © 1979.