Derivation of a Continuum Model for Low Temperature Plasma Flow and its Application on Arc Discharge

A set of governing equations for non-equilibrium plasma flow is derived based on the Boltzmann equation and existing models. This continuum model considers both thermal and chemical non-equilibrium effects and can be applied in a wide range of flow and discharge conditions. The model is verified using a free-burning arc problem, and is applied to investigate the flow and discharge characteristics of an arcjet. It shows that the arc attachment point in arcjet moves downstream with the increasing flow rate due to the arc and flow interaction.