Plasma breakdown in bubbles passing between two pin electrodes

Abstract The ignition of plasmas in liquids has applications from medical instrumentation to manipulation liquid chemistry. Formation directly a often requires prohibitively large voltages initiate breakdown. Producing plasma streamers bubbles submerged with higher permittivity can significantly lower the voltage needed discharge by reducing electric field required produce proximity bubble electrodes and shape play critical roles manner which is produced in, propagates through, bubble. In this paper, we discuss results three-dimensional direct numerical simulation (DNS) used investigate shapes formed injection air into water. Comparisons are made companion experiment. A two-dimensional hydrodynamics model was then capture streamer propagation using static geometry generated DNS simulations showed two different modes for formation depending on shape. an elliptical bubble, short electron avalanche triggered surface ionization wave (SIWs) resulting propagating along circular first traveled through middle before SIWs began propagate point closest grounded electrode where volumetric intersected surface. approaching powered pin-to-pin configuration, experimentally observed behavior that qualitatively corresponds computational results. Optical emission captured over lifetime curve path deformed bubbles, suggesting liquid/gas boundary interface. Plasma generation supported local enhancement boundaries mechanism likely responsible initiating formation.