A Model for Corona Streamer Propagation on Glass During an Air Discharge

Corona discharge to a glass surface is challenging to model due to a poorly understood air and surface ionization process. A modeling methodology based on the transmission line modeling (TLM) approach is proposed to simulate the streamer propagation process. The time-changing corona streamer resistance is estimated using the Rompe and Weizel spark model. The streamer is represented using small segments consisting of the arc resistance, per unit length (PUL) capacitance of the streamer, PUL inductance, a switch representing streamer formation, and a surface discharge gap voltage representing the voltage drop caused by ions within the streamer length. The propagation of the corona streamer depends on the tangential electric field strength at the streamer tip being higher or lower than the breakdown threshold for streamer formation. This preliminary 1D model shows plausible results for the current waveform shape, Lichtenburg dust figure diameter and streamer propagation velocity for a positive surface discharge to the glass. Although the model requires further improvement to predict propagation of multiple corona streamers, it provides a basis for simulation of a corona discharge on a glass surface which is related to the behavior of the underlying physics.