# Excel Simulation help - Electron runaway with given frictional force (Bethe)

1. Nov 10, 2014

### Matt atkinson

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
I'm trying to create a simple excel simulation for runaway electrons using a given energy-loss per unit distance equation (Bethe formula).
I'm stepping through time (pico-seconds) and giving the the electric field some initial value at a distance of 1mm and from there basically using energy and equations from special relativity to calculate other parameters.
I'm having serious issues setting the spreadsheet up correctly I've been trying for a few weeks now and keep having problems with circular references.
I've literally got no idea how to fix it so if someone could please help, it would be greatly appreciated.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
The equation given above is only correct for kinetic energies greater than the kinetic energy which causes the peak of the graph below, so i had to find a linear fit to approximate the beginning portion of the graph.

I'm starting to doubt if my physics is correct.

Ps:- not sure if this was the correct place to post.

#### Attached Files:

• ###### Latest try 08-11-2014.xlsx
File size:
851.5 KB
Views:
56
2. Nov 15, 2014

### Greg Bernhardt

Thanks for the post! This is an automated courtesy bump. Sorry you aren't generating responses at the moment. Do you have any further information, come to any new conclusions or is it possible to reword the post?

3. Nov 16, 2014

### Matt atkinson

I really have no idea, ive been struggling with this for over a week now.

4. Nov 16, 2014

### Staff: Mentor

At some point, you have to say "okay, I'll use this value for the next time step". It does not matter much where you do it, but it has to be done.

Also, your simulation won't start if you do not use an initial velocity and use the energy as main parameter instead of the velocity. No motion, no distance, no gained kinetic energy.

A picosecond looks like a long step, especially for low energy.

Why do you have a quadratic dependence of your field on distance?

Your calculation of x looks odd. Why do you take the difference between velocities?

5. Nov 16, 2014

### Matt atkinson

Okay so I've played around with the spreadsheet some more, thank you for pointing out my x calculation It was a mistake on my part.
I lowered the step to $$10^{-14}s$$ and fixed the calculation of x.
The electric field is essentially a ratio of the initial field $$E_o$$ and initial distance $$x_o$$ with the field at a distance x, this is because i have to vary the initial field to investigate energy loss against distance, I believe the ratio is correct.
The only thing confusing me now, is the resolution of forces, (if i have fixed the circular reference fine) would the accelerating force be equal to; $$f_a=E$$for an electron when working in eV? or; $$f_a=eE$$.

I was also told to start the simulation at zero velocity, because I initially gave the electron some thermal velocity but I was told to change it.

Thank you so much for your help, I've been tearing my hair out for days trying to get assistance.

#### Attached Files:

• ###### Attempt 4.xlsx
File size:
2.4 MB
Views:
52
6. Nov 16, 2014

### Staff: Mentor

Then you should use position and velocity as main variables. All other parameters are just helping to get the next velocity and position.

Some formulas are still odd.

I think the electric field has some keV <-> eV mixture.
The total energy uses the position instead of the position difference to get updated.

I would start all over again, fixing bugs in this mess is more work.

7. Nov 17, 2014

### Matt atkinson

I'm sorry, but i do not understand what do you mean the electric field has keV <-> mixture?
Okay I'll try to start again thank you!

8. Nov 17, 2014

### Staff: Mentor

The electric field is given in eV/m but you use it as keV/m in other columns.

9. Nov 17, 2014

### Matt atkinson

Oh thank you, I did not notice that !

10. Nov 17, 2014

### Matt atkinson

Oh but wait if, its an initial field coming from another point source would it still be in eV/m?

11. Nov 17, 2014

### Staff: Mentor

It does not matter which units you use, but you cannot mix them without conversion factors.

12. Nov 17, 2014

### Matt atkinson

okay, so basically if i use the electric field in another column i need to divide it by 1000? to change it to KeV?
also for the resultant force column im not sure whether i should be multiplying the electric field by e because right now I'm just using E+drag force=resultant force.

13. Nov 17, 2014

### Staff: Mentor

If you want to use the electric field given in eV/m as keV/m in another column, then sure you have to divide it by 1000.

If you have a length in kilometers in one column and want to know the length in meters in another formula, then you have to multiply it by 1000 as 1km=1000m. Same concept.

E is not the force. The force is F=qE. And make sure your units match (in eV, this is quite easy).

14. Nov 17, 2014

### Matt atkinson

I know it is quite easy its just It's had me so confused for a while now.
Thanks so much for the help I think I've got it working now !