Energy Transfer Processes in the Production of Excited States in Reacting Rocket Flows

Abstract

Abstract : The present report incorporates the results of experimental and analytical research into kinetic mechanisms and rates of collisional and radiative energy transfer processes in nonequilibrium gas and plasma flows, such as exist in high-altitude rocket plumes, supersonic nozzles, and behind shock waves. The kinetic processes under consideration include vibrational relaxation and molecular dissociation of air species (N2 and 02), as well as of key combustion products (such as CO and NO), which are primarily responsible for persistent visible and ultraviolet radiation in low-density plumes. Associative ionization in collisions of vibrationally excited molecules, as well as strong coupling between plasma electrons and vibrationally excited species are also studied in detail. Finally, the report incorporates the results of kinetic modeling of nonequilibrium, reacting, ionized flows in supersonic nozzles, MHD channels, and behind the shock waves.