Abstract
Abstract : The major uncertainty in the calculation of the conductivity in certain plasmas representative of those produced as combustion products in MHD generators is due to the uncertainty in the low energy momentum transfer cross sections for electron scattering in water vapor. The most reliable values of such low energy cross sections are those deduced from electron swarm experiments. The determination of cross sections from swarm experiments involves solving the Boltzmann equation for the electron energy distribution function using some assumed trial set of cross sections. Certain integrals of the distribution function yield the quantities measured in swarm experiments, such as drift velocities and diffusion coefficients. By comparing the calculated values of these measurable quantities with those found experimentally, it is possible to reach useful conclusions about the trial set of cross sections. An iterative procedure can then allow deduction of a set of cross sections which is consistent with swarm observations. The low energy cross sections are thus determined and are some of the most reliable available.
Published Version
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