Fluid-Poisson modelling of atmospheric-pressure discharges using FEDM*

This work presents the open-source Finite Element Discharge Modelling (FEDM) code and its main features. FEDM automates the modelling of non-thermal plasmas using Python programming and user-friendly input files. Recent extensions and improvements, such as additional modules for incorporating photoionisation, gas heating and more complex reaction kinetic schemes, are introduced. Two examples of atmospheric pressure discharges have been modelled using FEDM to demonstrate its capabilities. The first is a single-filament dielectric barrier discharge in N₂ with an admixture of 0.1 vol% of O₂ featuring a 1 mm gas gap. The comparison of the modelled and measured electric current and streamer velocity shows good agreement. The second example is a self-pulsing transient spark discharge in argon at atmospheric pressure. The model incorporates an additional equivalent circuit, which allows reproducing the self-pulsing current observed in the experiment. Finally, the development roadmap of the FEDM code is outlined.