Overall objectives:

1 - To grasp fundamental concepts of Gas Discharge Physics, including some of the latest developments in the field.
2 - Acquisition of advanced computational engineering skills, using as an example the context of Gas Discharge Physics and Low Temperature Plasma Physics.
3 - Acquisition of complex multidisciplinary problem solving skills with industrial application.
4 - Ability to build and explore physical-mathematical models of gas discharges in quasi-stationary fields under a wide range of conditions.

Syllabus:

1 - Introduction.
2 - Movement, energy and diffusion of charged particles in electric fields.
3 - Production and decay of charged particles.
4 - Introduction to electron kinetics in a weakly ionized gas subject to an electric field.
5 - Gas breakdown and corona discharge.
6 - Glow discharge.
7 - Arc discharge.

Literature/Sources:

Yu. P. Raizer , 2011 , Gas Discharge Physics , Springer
M.S. Benilov, P. G. C. Almeida, N. G. C. Ferreira, R. M. S. Almeida, and G. V. Naidis , 2021 , A practical guide to modelling low-current quasi-stationary gas discharges: Eigenvalue, stationary, and time-dependent solvers , Journal of Applied Physics, American Institute of Physics
E. Kuffel, W. S. Zaengl, J. Kuffel , 2000 , High Voltage Engineering Fundamentals , Newnes
M.S. Benilov et. al. , 2023 , https://fisica.uma.pt/public-domain/ ,

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
In theoretical classes the methodology is expositive. The subject is given on the board, equations and formulas are derived from first principles, and strong emphasis is placed on the link between physical formulas and the real world. Practical classes consist of carrying out practical laboratory work, and/or practical computational work. Assessment Model: D. Assessment Methodology: two assessment elements: 1) approximately halfway through the semester, preparation and oral discussion of a project, presented in the form of a poster, dedicated to a topic from the first 4 chapters; 50% weight. 2) at the end of the semester, presentation and discussion of a project, presented in the form of a seminar, dedicated to a topic from the last 3 chapters; 50% weight. In the resitting period, 100% of the grade can be recovered in the same way as in the normal period.