Abstract The paper presents the results of a numerical investigation of a fast ionization wave in a non-preionized gas as the initial stage of a nanosecond capillary discharge. The wave was created in a 5 cm long narrow capillary filled with nitrogen at a pressure p = 2 Torr by applying a nanosecond voltage pulse of negative polarity, which was supplied by an electric circuit consisting of a preliminary charged capacitor, a thyratron switch and a cable. Propagation of the wavefront along the capillary and formation of a conducting plasma channel were simulated using the fluid approach to description of processes in low-temperature plasma. Including electrical circuit into consideration allowed obtaining realistic voltage pulse shapes as well as current rise-rates in the system immediately after the ionization wave has reached the grounded electrode. The latter was used as a parameter indicating the efficiency of the consequent initiation of a capillary discharge. Obtained dynamics of wave propagation and structure of the wavefront are discussed. Influence of dielectric permittivity of the capillary material on the wave properties in general and on the capillary discharge initiation is analyzed.

中文翻译：

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快速电离波引发毛细管放电的数值研究

摘要 本文介绍了作为纳秒毛细管放电初始阶段的非预电离气体中快速电离波的数值研究结果。通过施加负极性纳秒电压脉冲，在充满氮气的 5 cm 长窄毛细管中产生该波，该电压脉冲由一个初步充电的电容器、一个闸流管开关和一个电缆。使用流体方法来描述低温等离子体中的过程，模拟波前沿毛细管的传播和导电等离子体通道的形成。将电路考虑在内允许在电离波到达接地电极后立即获得系统中真实的电压脉冲形状以及电流上升率。后者用作指示随后引发毛细管放电的效率的参数。讨论了获得的波传播动力学和波前结构。分析了毛细管材料的介电常数对一般波特性和毛细管放电启动的影响。