Asymptotically self-similar propagation of the spherical ionization waves

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new class of self-similar spherical ionization waves in gases, characterized by exponential growth in spatial scale and velocity, providing a simplified yet comprehensive model of streamers in electric fields.

Contribution

It establishes the existence conditions, describes the structure, and derives analytical relationships for these novel self-similar ionization waves.

Findings

Existence conditions for the waves are identified.

The structure of the waves is characterized.

Analytical relationships between parameters are derived.

Abstract

It is shown that a new type of the self-similar spherical ionization waves may exist in gases. All spatial scales and the propagation velocity of such waves increase exponentially in time. Conditions for existence of these waves are established, their structure is described and approximate analytical relationships between the principal parameters are obtained. It is notable that spherical ionization waves can serve as the simplest, but structurally complete and physically transparent model of streamer in homogeneous electric field.