Computer simulation of an axially symmetric narrow discharge at high overvoltage

Numerical instabilities hamper the computer simulation of axially symmetric, three-dimensional transient discharges from proceeding (Davies et al., 1977). A method is presented in which suppression of the instabilities is attempted by avoiding numerical differentiation. The results of simulation of a narrow, high-overvoltage discharge observed by Chalmers et al. (1972) show that this method enbales the cathode streamer reaching the cathode and the subsequent propagating fronts to be traced. The formation of the so-called radial constriction of the streamer is discussed.