Computational studies of plasma dynamics in Impulse Plasma Deposition coaxial accelerator

The paper presents computational studies of plasma dynamics in a coaxial accelerator used in surface engineering for impulse plasma deposition (IPD). A two-dimensional two-fluid MHD model has been applied to simulate the phenomena in a discharge region. Special attention was paid to investigate formation and evolution of plasmoid behind a current sheet. Gas left in a corner between the insulator and anode surface causes danger of secondary discharge breakdowns behind the main current sheet. Obtained results allowed interpretation of some previous experimental observations. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.