Boltzmann equation and particle-fluid hybrid modelling of a hollow cathode discharge

A cylindrical hollow cathode discharge is modelled by the solution of the Boltzmann equation and by particle-fluid (hybrid) simulation. While the latter technique provides a self-consistent solution for the problem, the Boltzmann method provides detailed information about the electron kinetics in the discharge over the whole energy range. The results obtained from the two methods are consistent with each other and show a fair agreement with previous experimental data thereby validating the modelling methods used