Strong double-layer formation by shock waves in nonequilibrium plasmas.
Strong double-layer formation by acoustic shock wave (<M=2) propagation in a low-pressure, N2 positive column plasma has been quantified, near the shock front, by measurements of the voltage jump and the enhancements of both the B (3)Pi(g)-A (3)Sigma(+)(u) plasma emission and the electron density. The large polarity dependence (or shock direction) of these effects and potential jumps of more than 20 kT(e) across the shock-created interface indicate that the measured shock-induced electron heating effects (localized excitation and ionization rate) are caused by the formation of strong double layers maintained by the traveling shock front.
Bletzinger
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Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433-7919, USA. Biswa.ganguly@wpafb.af.mil
Ganguly
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BN
Garscadden
A
A