428 / 2022-03-15 21:30:38

Numerical analysis of plasma in porous media from a geometrical perspective

plasma deposition,low pressure plasma,porous dielectric,tissue engineering scaffold

Purpose/Aim

Low-pressure plasma deposition and treatment can significantly improve the performance of tissue scaffolds as cell carriers in tissue implantation. However,the interaction between geometrical characteristics of heterogeneous dielectric and plasma still remains unknown.In this paper, we will utilize the ideal round pore model and self-consistent fluid model to simulate the effect of macroscopic parameters,i.e. porosity and permeability,on the propagation of the plasma through porous dielectric.

Experimental/Modeling methods

In this numerical work, a two-dimensional fluid model of an argon discharge plasma has been developed in porous dielectric at low pressure with the use of COMSOL Multiphysics software.By manipulation of round pore arrays,we construct a large amount of ideal porous dielectric with different parameters,which are also the input of our finite element model.

Results/discussion

The discharge characteristics of plasma in porous dielectric depend strongly on external parameters such as porosity and permeability.The simulation results suggest that with increase in porosity,breakdown is more likely to occur with greater electron density; the variation of the permeability will influence the diffusion or flow of plasma.

Conclusions

The complex geometry of porous dielectric impacts the discharge pattern from two aspects.Firstly, the porosity will represent the average medium resistance to plasma generation.Secondly,the permeability will determine the temporal and spatial development of plasma.

Appendix

                                                                    

         

a)Schematic view of porous dielectric                 b) Simulation results of electron density