An Investigation Of The Energy Exchange Processes In Nonequilibrium Plasmas

This report describes an investigation of the energy exchange processes in nonequilibrium plasmas. The primary objective of the research was to investigate the influence of parameters such as the electron temperature and density, and the presence of walls and electromagnetic fields, on quantities such as the degree of ionization, electrical conductivity, and energy storage in excited atomic states. The research was primarily experimental. The plasmas were generated in solenoidal-coil type RF discharge tubes driven at a frequency of 4 mc. Experiments were carried out over the pressure range of 0.03 Torr to 10 Torr and at specific power levels of about 0.1 to 10 watts/cc using helium as a test gas. Optical spectroscopy was the primary diagnostic tool. Langmuir and magnetic probe, microwave, and calorimetric measurements were also made.

The NATO . Advanced Research Insti tute on Nonequilibrium Processes in Partially Ionized Gases was held at Acquafredda di Maratea during 4-17 June 1989. The Institute considered the interconnections between scattering and transport theories and modeling of nonequilibrium systems generated by electrical discharges, emphasizing the importance of microscopic processes in affecting the bulk properties of plasmas. The book tries to reproduce these lines. In particular several contributions describe scattering cross sections involving electrons interacting with atoms and molecules in both ground and excited states (from theoretical and experimental point of view), of energy transfer processes as well as reactive ones involving excited molecules colliding with atoms and molecules as well as with metallic surfaces. Other contributions deal with the basis of transport theories (Boltzmann and Monte Carlo methods) for describing the bulk properties of non equilibrium plasmas as well as with the modeling of complicated systems emphasizing in particular the strong coupling between the Boltzmann equation and excited state kinetics. Finally the book contains several contributions describing applications in different fields such as Excimer Lasers, Negative Ion Production, RF Discharges, Plasma Chemistry, Atmospheric Processes and Physics of Lamps. The Organizing Committee gratefully acknowledges the generous financial support provided by the NATO Science Committee as well as by Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno e Turismo of Maratea, by University of Bari, by C. N. R. (Centro di Studio per la Chimica dei Plasmi and Comitato per la Chimica), by ENEA, by Lawrence Livermore Laboratory and by US Army Research Office.

This book deals with the physics of low temperature plasmas of atomic and molecular gases. Several diagnostic methods for nonequilibrium plasma are described. The relevant elementary processes governing the kinetics and transport of atomic and chemically active molecular plasmas are discussed and numerical models of plasmas aimed at systematically solving MHD-equations are also presented. Intended for use by scientists and engineers active in various fields of low-temperature plasma physics, this book is also suitable for teachers and students at pre- and postgraduate level. In chapter 1 general problems of the elementary physics of plasma are considered and the principal ideas relating to plasma properties are given. In chapter 2 the principles which form the basis of atomic and molecular spectra radiated by a plasma are briefly described. Chapter 3 reviews experimental material associated with the peculiarities of molecular excitation processes in nonequilibrium low-temperature plasma. In chapter 4 a number of problems related to the technique and methods of spectroscopy are considered. Chapter 5 presents experimental material gained from studying the peculiarities of molecular excitation spectra from low-pressure gas discharges and describes diagnostics for nonequilibrium chemically active plasma. In chapter 6 the problems of mathematical modeling of equilibrium plasma in arcs, microwave and optical discharges are analyzed. In chapter 7, a theoretical description of nonequilibrium plasma in electrical arcs, microwave and radio-frequency discharges based on two-temperature approximation of the plasma parameters is offered. Chapter 8 presents a detailed case-study on the transport and excitation of a magnetized plasma of intermediate electron density. Several diagnostic techniques and models introduced in earlier chapters are used to obtain information on plasma properties.

Plasma Physics and Engineering presents basic and applied knowledge on modern plasma physics, plasma chemistry, and plasma engineering for senior undergraduate and graduate students as well as for scientists and engineers working in academia; research labs; and industry with plasmas, laser and, combustion systems. This is a unique book providing a clear fundamental introduction to all aspects of modern plasma science, describing all electric discharges applied today from vacuum to atmospheric pressure and higher, from thermal plasma sources to essentially cold non-equilibrium discharges. A solutions manual is available for adopting professors, which is helpful in relevant university courses. Provides a lucid introduction to virtually all aspects of modern plasma science and technology Contains an extensive database on plasma kinetics and thermodynamics Includes many helpful numerical formulas for practical calculations, as well as numerous problems and concepts This revised edition includes new material on atmospheric pressure discharges, micro discharges, and different types of discharges in liquids Prof. Alexander Fridman is Nyheim Chair Professor of Drexel University and Director of C. & J. Nyheim Plasma Institute. His research focuses on plasma approaches to biology and medicine, to material treatment, fuel conversion, and environmental control. Prof. Fridman has almost 50 years of plasma research in national laboratories and universities of Russia, France, and the United States. He has published 8 books, and received numerous honors for his work, including Stanley Kaplan Distinguished Professorship in Chemical Kinetics and Energy Systems, George Soros Distinguished Professorship in Physics, the State Prize of the USSR, Plasma Medicine Award, Kurchatov Prize, Reactive Plasma Award, and Plasma Chemistry Award. Prof. Lawrence A. Kennedy is Dean of Engineering Emeritus and Professor of Mechanical Engineering Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Professor of Mechanical Engineering Emeritus at the Ohio State University. His research focuses on chemically reacting flows and plasma processes. He is the author of more than 300 archival publications and 2 books, the editor of three monographs and served as Editor–in-Chief of the International Journal of Experimental Methods in Thermal and Fluid Science. Professor Kennedy was the Ralph W. Kurtz Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering at OSU and the Stanley Kaplan University Scholar in Plasma Physics at UIC. Prof. Kennedy is also the recipient of numerous awards such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Heat Transfer Memorial Award (2008), and the Ralph Coats Roe Award from ASEE (1993). He is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Physical Society, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Semiannual, with semiannual and annual indexes. References to all scientific and technical literature coming from DOE, its laboratories, energy centers, and contractors. Includes all works deriving from DOE, other related government-sponsored information, and foreign nonnuclear information. Arranged under 39 categories, e.g., Biomedical sciences, basic studies; Biomedical sciences, applied studies; Health and safety; and Fusion energy. Entry gives bibliographical information and abstract. Corporate, author, subject, report number indexes.