3D fluid modeling of positive streamer discharges in air with stochastic photoionization

Streamer discharges are thin plasma channels that precede lightning and sparks. They usually evolve in bundles as stochastic tree-like structures and are inherently difficult to model due to their multiscale nature. In this paper, we perform a computer investigation of positive streamer discharges in air using contemporary photoionization models. We report on three-dimensional computer simulations under conditions that are available in laboratory spark-gap experiments. The solutions demonstrate a multiscale morphology consisting of streamer fluctuations, branching, and the formation of a discharge tree. Some branches are comparatively thick and noisy, while others are thin, smooth, and carry electric fields exceeding 250 kV cm⁻¹ at their tips. Our results are consistent with past experiments and clarify the puzzling branching dynamics and stochastic morphology of positive streamer discharges. (paper)