Positive streamer discharge simulations in humid air: uncertainty in input data and sensitivity analysis

Abstract We study how the choice of input data affects simulations of positive streamers in humid air, focusing on H 2 O cross sections, photoionization models, and chemistry sets. Simulations are performed in air with a mole fraction of 0%, 3% or 10% H 2 O using an axisymmetric fluid model. Five H 2 O cross section sets are considered, which lead to significant differences in the resulting electron attachment coefficient. As a result, the streamer velocity can vary by up to about 50% with 10% H 2 O. We compare results with three photoionization models: the Naidis model for humid air, the Aints model for humid air, and the standard Zheleznyak model for dry air. With the Naidis and in particular the Aints model, there is a significant reduction in photoionization with higher humidities. This results in higher streamer velocities and maximal electric fields, and it can also cause streamer branching in our axisymmetric simulations. Three humid air chemistry sets are considered. Differences between these sets, particularly in the formation of water clusters around positive ions, cause the streamer velocity to vary by up to about 50% with 10% H 2 O. A sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the most important chemical reactions in these chemistries.