Investigation of the Stability of Ionized Molecular Gas Flows.
Abstract
The causes of thermal instability in externally sustained molecular discharges have been examined theoretically. The results of this study show that externally sustained discharges of the type used in CO2 lasers are inherently unstable. There are two distinct mechanisms which can drive thermal instability: (1) an increase in electron-molecule vibrational excitation, and (2) vibrational reservoir collapse. The plasma conditions and collision processes contributing to the occurrence of these instabilities are discussed in detail.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA030281
Entities
People
- William L. Nighan
Organizations
- United Technologies Corporation