Abstract
Abstract Electron energy distribution functions (EDF) under N 2 discharge and post-discharge conditions have been calculated by self-consistently solving the Boltzmann equation, the vibrational master equation (including dissociation) and the kinetics of the most important electronic states of N 2 . The results show that the relaxation of EDF in the post-discharge is strongly linked to the residence time of N 2 in the discharge, which determines the initial conditions. In particular at low residence times the role of metastable states in affecting EDF through superelastic electronic collisions (SEC) overcomes the corresponding one from superelastic vibrational collisions (SVC). On the contrary, SVC dominate at long residence times, when a well-developed vibrational distribution has been built up by the discharge. At intermediate residence times both SVC and SEC affect the relaxation of EDF, which in general presents a non-monotonic behaviour.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call