RELAXATION TO THE STEADY STATE IN A CONDUCTING NONEQUILIBRIUM PLASMA STREAM
Abstract
The relaxation of a seeded plasma subjected to a constant electric field is considered within the formalism of the two-temperature theory. Numerical solutions are obtained for streamwise conductivity profiles in both argon and nitrogen plasmas seeded with potassium. Reaction rates used here are analytical formulae based on the Byron model for collision-induced recombination. Extensive analysis of the computed results and comparison with Zukoski's experiments in argon establish the validity of the basic treatment and suggest the existence of energy losses resulting from excitation of argon transitions originating at the first excited state, in addition to the usual elastic collision and potassium excitation energy losses. Details of the Byron model are validated by comparison of theoretical and experimental time-resolved potassium emission lines. Possible nonequilibrium effects in nitrogen are investigated with various assumed molecular excitation losses. Relaxation times for both types of plasmas are correlated by use of Zukoski's characteristic time parameter.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0631504
Entities
People
- Bill P. Curry
Organizations
- Arnold Engineering Development Complex