Kinetic Coefficients in Dense Media

Abstract

Equilibrium rate constants of inelastic processes in dense media have been studied with taking account the quantum corrections to the particle momentum distribution function (PMDF). These corrections arise at high medium pressure and relatively low temperature and can be treated as a manifestation of the time‐energy uncertainty relation for particles colliding elastically at a high rate ν, so that the characteristic energy ℏν becomes comparable with the temperature. The main problem in evaluation of the rate constants of inelastic processes as well as PMDF relates to finding the scattering amplitude out of the energy shell. This problem is resolved within the frame of the approach developed based on the asymptotic representation of the wave function of scattering particles. The explicit solution has been obtained for the problem of vibrational relaxation of diatomic molecules. The specific calculations performed for low temperature atmospheric pressure relaxation of nitrogen result in a reasonable agreement with existing experimental data.