A numerical solver for the homogeneous Boltzmann equation

Abstract

In this work we present some results from a numerical solution of the homogeneous electron Boltzmann equation (EBE) for electrons in an uniform electric field, using the classical two term expansion. This EBE solver was specially designed to be used as part of global models for low temperature plasmas. It accounts for oscillating fields, electron-neutral collisions and electron-electron collisions. In order to validate the EBE solver, we compare calculated transport parameters with experimental data from electron swarm experiments in N2 and Ar.