Automated Fluid Model Generation and Numerical Analysis of Dielectric Barrier Discharges Using Comsol

MCPlas is introduced as a powerful tool for automated fluid model generation with application to the analysis of dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) operating in different regimes. MCPlas consists of a number of Matlab scripts and uses the COMSOL Multiphysics module LiveLink for MATLAB to build up equation-based COMSOL Multiphysics models from scratch. The present contribution highlights how MCPlas is used to implement time-dependent models for nonthermal plasmas in spatially one-dimensional (1-D) and axisymmetric two-dimensional (2-D) geometries and stresses out the benefit of automation of the modeling procedure. The modeling codes generated by MCPlas are used to study diffuse and filamentary DBDs in argon at subatmospheric and atmospheric pressure, respectively. The seamless transition between different levels of model complexity with respect to the considered model geometry is demonstrated. The presented investigation of a single-filament DBD interacting with a dielectric surface shows that complex phenomena of high technological relevance can be tackled using plasma models implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics via MCPlas.