Collective dynamics of a dense streamer front

Abstract

We explore the dynamics of dense streamer channel fronts. We introduce a novel, fully three-dimensional, adaptive mesh refinement streamer simulation code, which leverages the power of general-purpose graphical processing units to accelerate computations. Our code enables the simulation of systems comprising several parallel-propagating streamers, using appropriate boundary conditions to emulate an infinitely extended front of positive streamers in ambient air. Our findings reveal that denser streamer packings result in slower front propagation and increased electric field screening within the streamers. To interpret these results and progress towards developing a coarse-grained corona model, we present a streamlined model that effectively approximates the behavior of the comprehensive microscopic system. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by IOP Publishing Ltd.