The propagation characteristics of breakdown waves propagating in the opposite direction of the electric field force on electrons and with a significant current behind the wave front have been studied. The successful model, a one-dimensional, steady-state, three-fluid hydro-dynamical representation has been utilized to find analytical solutions for current bearing breakdown waves propagating into a non-ionized medium. The electron gas partial pressure is assumed to be the main element in driving the wave and the waves are considered to be shock fronted. The governing equations include the equations of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy, plus Poisson’s equation.
Waves propagating in the opposite direction of the electric field force on electrons will possess different structure than those moving in the same direction as the direction of the electric field force on electrons. For waves with a significant current behind the shock front, the equation of conservation of energy and Poisson’s equation, as well as the shock condition on electron temperature have to be modified. The set of equations and the boundary condition on electron temperature have been modified and the solutions for the set of electron fluid dynamical equations using the new boundary condition on electron temperature, meet the expected physical conditions at the end of the dynamical transition region of the wave.
For a range of experimentally measured current values, we have been able to integrate the modified set of electron fluid dynamical equation through the dynamical transition region of the wave. For a relatively fast wave, we intend to present the wave profile on electric field, electron velocity, electron temperature, electron number density, and ionization rate, within the dynamical transition region of the wave, for a set of experimentally measured current values. Then, for several wave speeds, we intend to find the limits on current values for which solutions for the electron fluid dynamical equations become possible.