PLASMA STUDIES IN A SHOCK TUBE
Abstract
Air plasmas produced by shock waves were studied in the temperature range extending from 3000 K to 5000 K at densities ranging from 0.005 to 0.015 that of standard air density. Microwave reflection measurements from these plasmas have been made at frequencies of 3320 and 9375 mc. A major aim of the reflection measurements was to determine whether or not polarization forces on the electron are important. The present results indicate that the Sellmeier theory, in which the polarization forces are assumed to be negligible, is the proper theory for relating electron concentrations and cross sections with macroscopic electrical parameters. In addition, the collision frequencies of electrons in air were found to agree closely with those reported by Lamb and Lin. The data also provided an estimate of the relaxation time for electron formation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0261517
Entities
People
- Herbert S. Glick
- John W. Daiber
Organizations
- Calspan