Advanced Computational Approaches to Plasma Behavior in Argon and Helium Systems

Abstract
   The study of atmospheric plasma processes has gained interest due to the reduced entry barrier compared to low-pressure plasmas, though power requirements and instabilities hinder broader adoption. This research leverages somaFOAM, an in-house plasma solver based on OpenFOAM, to assess the effects of various voltage profiles—sinusoidal, unipolar, bipolar, and sinusoidal damped—on plasma stability and efficiency. Additionally, it examines dielectric barrier discharge as a ballast to stabilize plasma and maximize reactivity while reducing instabilities. A significant challenge in plasma analysis is the high computational overhead required for multiple data points. Therefore, the efficacy of Dynamic Mode Decomposition, a data-driven technique, is evaluated for its potential to reduce computational demands while maintaining accuracy. This approach enables extensive parametric studies without the computational burden of traditional methods.

Biography
   Jose A. Millan Higuera completed his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering 2018 from the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez. Subsequently, he joined Dr. Venkattraman Ayyaswamy's Laboratory as a Ph.D. student in the Fall of 2018, focusing on developing and modeling low-temperature plasma phenomena, emphasizing atmospheric plasmas. His research aims to optimize and deepen the understanding of operation modes while gaining insights into the semiconductor industry. This dual focus has helped him develop a comprehensive understanding of plasma phenomena that can be applied to various applications. As an upcoming Assistant Professor at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Jose aims to be part of the pedagogical process in the engineering discipline, contributing to the formative journey of future generations.