Nonequilibrium ionization phenomena behind shock waves

Marco Panesi, Thierry Magin, Winifred Huo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

An accurate investigation of the behavior of electronically excited states of atoms and molecules in the post shock relaxation zone of a trajectory point of the FIRE II flight experiment is carried out by means of a one-dimensional flow solver coupled to a collisional-radiative model. In the rapidly ionizing regime behind a strong shock wave, the high lying bound electronic states of atoms are depleted. This leads the electronic energy level populations of atoms to depart from Boltzmann distributions which strongly affects the non-equilibrium ionization process as well as the radiative signature. The importance of correct modeling of the interaction of radiation and matter is discussed showing a strong influence on the physico-chemical properties of the gas. The paper clearly puts forward the shortcomings of the simplified approach often used in literature which strongly relies on the escape factors to characterize the optical thickness of the gas.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication27th International Symposium on Rarefied Gas Dynamics - 2010, RGD27
Pages1251-1256
Number of pages6
EditionPART 1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event27th International Symposium on Rarefied Gas Dynamics, RGD27 - Pacific Grove, CA, United States
Duration: Jul 10 2011Jul 15 2011

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
NumberPART 1
Volume1333
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Other

Other27th International Symposium on Rarefied Gas Dynamics, RGD27
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPacific Grove, CA
Period7/10/117/15/11

Keywords

  • Collisional-radiative models
  • Ionization of plasmas
  • Shock waves and discontinuities

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Nonequilibrium ionization phenomena behind shock waves'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this