Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Parth Thakar, Sophomore
Lead Presenter's Name
Parth Thakar
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Mubarak Mujawar
Abstract
Constricted-anode plasma sources generate locally intensified electric fields that enhance ionization near the anode, making them valuable in propulsion and laboratory plasma systems. However, the narrow geometry produces complex charge accumulation and secondary ionization effects that remain difficult to measure experimentally. To address this challenge, our research develops and applies a multi-dimensional Particle-in-Cell with Monte Carlo Collisions (PIC-MCC) simulation of a DC discharge in 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D configurations that model a constricted-anode device. PIC-MCC is a first-principles method that tracks electrons and ions individually while computing self-consistent electric fields and incorporating energy-dependent collision processes. This approach enables direct visualization of plasma flow behavior, species-specific particle motion, sheath formation, charge buildup, and electric potential structures—features that are often inaccessible to physical diagnostics. Throughout this project, we have constructed 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D PIC models; implemented energy-dependent cross-section tables; generated maps of electron and ion density; and produced detailed visualizations of electric fields and potentials. Our simulations consistently show strong electron accumulation in the anode region, leading to steep electric-field gradients that trigger secondary ionization cycles. In 3-D, geometric focusing intensifies this effect, increasing particle density, local heating, and the overall ionization rate. These insights demonstrate the utility of PIC modeling for revealing plasma behaviors that cannot be directly observed. Ongoing work focuses on re-optimizing the 3-D solver to more accurately capture secondary-ionization physics, improving predictive capability for the design and operation of future constricted-anode plasma sources.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Computational Engineering Commons, Plasma and Beam Physics Commons, Propulsion and Power Commons
Multi-dimensional Particle-in-Cell with Monte Carlo Collisions (PIC-MCC) simulation for Visualizing Plasma Flow and Secondary Ionization in Constricted-Anode Geometries
Constricted-anode plasma sources generate locally intensified electric fields that enhance ionization near the anode, making them valuable in propulsion and laboratory plasma systems. However, the narrow geometry produces complex charge accumulation and secondary ionization effects that remain difficult to measure experimentally. To address this challenge, our research develops and applies a multi-dimensional Particle-in-Cell with Monte Carlo Collisions (PIC-MCC) simulation of a DC discharge in 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D configurations that model a constricted-anode device. PIC-MCC is a first-principles method that tracks electrons and ions individually while computing self-consistent electric fields and incorporating energy-dependent collision processes. This approach enables direct visualization of plasma flow behavior, species-specific particle motion, sheath formation, charge buildup, and electric potential structures—features that are often inaccessible to physical diagnostics. Throughout this project, we have constructed 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D PIC models; implemented energy-dependent cross-section tables; generated maps of electron and ion density; and produced detailed visualizations of electric fields and potentials. Our simulations consistently show strong electron accumulation in the anode region, leading to steep electric-field gradients that trigger secondary ionization cycles. In 3-D, geometric focusing intensifies this effect, increasing particle density, local heating, and the overall ionization rate. These insights demonstrate the utility of PIC modeling for revealing plasma behaviors that cannot be directly observed. Ongoing work focuses on re-optimizing the 3-D solver to more accurately capture secondary-ionization physics, improving predictive capability for the design and operation of future constricted-anode plasma sources.