Despite the extensive literature on simulation methods for plasmas, novice researchers often experience difficulties in selecting appropriate modelling approaches and assessing the reliability of modelling results. This book addresses this common problem.

The book describes the main methods for numerical modelling of glow discharges, including kinetic/particle models, fluid models, and combinations of these, known as hybrid models. The latter offer a compromise between computationally efficient fluid models and fully kinetic/particle models, which require substantially more computational effort. The book examines the reliability and limitations of different modelling approaches, with particular emphasis on electron kinetics.

Key Features:

• Focuses on low-temperature plasmas of glow discharges.
• Describes the main methods for modelling glow discharges, including kinetic/particle, fluid, and hybrid models.
• Provides illustrative examples of the modelling approaches discussed.
• Develops a hierarchy of kinetic, hybrid, and fluid models and establishes criteria for selecting an appropriate model.

This book provides an accessible introduction to numerical modelling methods for glow discharges. It serves as a practical guide for graduate students, postgraduate researchers, and scientists whose research involves the computational study of low-temperature plasmas of glow discharges.