Investigation of Energy Transfer Processes in Molecular Gas Discharges,
Abstract
The investigation was directed toward determining the energy transfer processes in nonequilibrium molecular gas discharges with and without easily ionizable seeding agents. Toward this end, electron energy distriution functions were calculated from the reported cross sections for momentum transfer, vibrational, electronic, and ionization processes in a He-N2 gas mixture. From these distribution functions the rates of energy transfer into the various vibrational and electronic channels were evaluated for a range of discharge conditions appropriate to glow discharge operation. In addition, electron transport properties were determined and estimates made of ion transport coefficients. The contribution due to the two-step ionization processes was also estimated. From these data the properties of the positive column of the discharge were evaluated. It has been found that generally good agreement between analytical and experimental results can be obtained if these important factors are accounted for in the analytical modeling of the discharge. In addition, the potential effects of an alkali seed on the ionization processes in the He-N2 discharge are discussed. The study of a cesium seeded-molicular discharge represents the next phase of this analytical and experimental investigation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0720878
Entities
People
- Robert H. Bullis
- Walter J. Wiegand
- William L. Nighan
Organizations
- United Aircraft Corporation