Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Knowledge Based Cloud FE Simulation of Sheet Metal Forming Processes
Published on: December 13, 2016
Numerical solutions to a kinetic model for the plasma-sheath problem with charge exchange collisions of ions
Z Sternovsky1, K Downum, S Robertson
1Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0390, USA.
Abstract:
A kinetic model of the plasma-sheath problem is presented that includes the effects of charge-exchange collisions of the ion. The collisions are modeled as a sink for accelerated ions and as a source of cold ions. Solutions are obtained by numerical integration of Poisson's equation from a point near the plasma midplane to the wall. In the quasineutral region, these solutions agree with earlier analytic work. As the mean free path is decreased, the current density at the wall decreases and the potential profile in the quasineutral region shows a smooth transition from a parabolic profile to a nearly cubic profile determined by the ion mobility. An approximate expression is found for the ion flux to the wall in the collisional limit.
Related Concept Videos
The Electrical Double Layer
Ampere-Maxwell's Law: Problem-Solving
To solve the problem, we can use the equations from the analysis of an RC circuit and Maxwell's version of Ampère's law.
For the first part of the problem,...
The Kinetic Model of Gases
Processes at Electrodes
The Debye–Hückel Theory of Electrolyte Solutions
Calculating the Equilibrium Constant
For example, gaseous nitrogen dioxide forms dinitrogen tetroxide according to this equation:
