Dependence of the Electron Energy Distribution on the Vibrational Temperature in the Electrically Excited N2
Abstract
The effects of the vibrational excitation and deexcitation of nitrogen molecules in an electrical discharge on the electron energy distributions and transport coefficients are investigated theoretically. The electrons collide with vibrationally excited molecules either gain or lose energy which results in the redistribution of the electron energy. The distribution function is calculated numerically by solving the Boltzmann equation, using a complete set of elastic momentum transfer and inelastic cross sections. The presence of vibrationally excited molecules which collide and exchange energy with the electrons has a strong effect on the electron energy distribution function. This effect is demonstrated for various vibrational temperatures. The energy distributions are calculated at the ratio of electric field to gas density E/N which ranges from 10(-16) to 20 x 10(-16) V cm2 . Generally, as the vibrational temperature increases, the electrons become richer in the high-energy tail of the distribution function.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA476909
Entities
People
- A. W. Ali
- Arthur V. Phelps
- H. C. Chen
Organizations
- Naval Ordnance Laboratory