Deflection of Electric Streamer Channels in an Applied Electric Field

Understanding how the path of streamers is influenced by background electric fields is crucial in leader progression models and electrical breakdown models in long gaps. While numerous advanced models of streamers exist, applying them to leader progression models to track streamer movement remains computationally intensive and impractical. In this study, we employ one of the simplest streamer models available in the literature to investigate how streamers are deflected in the presence of background electric fields. Our analysis identifies the key parameters that govern this interaction. Additionally, we estimate the time and length scales over which streamers are diverted by a background electric field of a specified strength.