Abstract. Particle models for streamer ionization fronts contain correct electron energy distributions, runaway effects and single electron statistics. Conventional fluid models are computationally much more efficient for large particle numbers, but create too low ionization densities in high fields. To combine their respective advantages, we here show how to couple both models in space. We confirm that the discrepancies between particle and fluid fronts arise from the steep electron density gradients in the leading edge of the fronts. We find the optimal position for the interface between models that minimizes the computational effort and reproduces the results of a pure particle model.

Print publication: Issue 3 (7 February 2008)
Received 16 October 2007, in final form 12 December 2007
Published 8 January 2008