State-specific dissociation modeling with multiquantum vibration-translation transitions

Abstract

An efficient state-specific model of dissociation using a quadrature approach is proposed by considering multiquantum vibration-translation (VT) transitions (between bound and quasibound vibrational levels) according to the forced harmonic oscillator theory. Application of this model to a pure N₂ gas flow behind a plane shock wave shows that dissociation has a large influence on intermediate and higher vibrational levels and is characterized by state-specific incubation distances, before which VT energy exchanges remain the dominant mechanism just behind the shock.