Asymptotically self-similar propagation of the spherical ionization waves

Abstract

It is shown that a new type of the self-similar spherical ionization waves may exist in gases. All spatial scales and the propagation velocity of such waves increase exponentially in time. Conditions for existence of these waves are established, their structure is described and approximate analytical relationships between the principal parameters are obtained. It is notable that spherical ionization waves can serve as the simplest, but structurally complete and physically transparent model of streamer in homogeneous electric field.