  A numerical study of normal glow discharge properties was performed in the
case of small electrodes separations (0.05-0.4 cm) and moderate gas pressures
(10-46 Torr). A recently observed new experimental effect of a considerable
reduction in the normal current density for smaller discharge lengths was
analyzed both by means of 2D fluid model and by a minimal 1D drift model of gas
discharge. A good agreement between theoretical and experimental behaviour was
demonstrated. An influence of the electrodes separation and of the gas heating
on the value of the normal current density is discussed.
