Computing DC discharges in a wide range of currents with comsol multiphysics: Time-dependent solvers vs. stationary solvers

The most commonly used solvers in models of DC gas discharges are time-dependent solvers. Solutions are obtained by specifying an initial state and following the evolution of the discharge over time until a steady state is reached. In the last 15 years multiple modes of arc-cathode attachment have been computed in high-pressure arc discharges by means of stationary solvers, see review [1]; a procedure that has now become standard practice. Apart from computing the multiple modes of arc-cathode attachment, stationary solvers have revealed the existence of hysteresis of the modes of arc-cathode attachment in high-pressure arc discharges.