Two-dimensional calculations of a continuous optical discharge in atmospheric-air flow (optical plasmatron)

Journal Article · Sun Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1987 · High Temp. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5338209

Raizer, Yu P; Silant'ev, A Yu; Surzhikov, S T

A two-dimensional gas-dynamic process in a continuous optical discharge, burning in subsonic atmospheric-air flow, is modeled numerically. The distortion of the light channel owing to refraction of the laser beam in the plasma created by it, the radiative energy losses, and radiant heat transfer were taken into account. It was found that in a hot jet instabilities and eddy structures appear behind the region of energy liberation. These effects do not affect the main part of the discharge, where the state is completely stable. The calculations showed that for an optical plasmatron in the free atmosphere the incoming flow primarily flows around the highly heated region, and penetrates into it only slightly. Depending on the velocity of the flow the refraction in the plasma can lead to both defocusing and additional focusing of the beam. The results agree qualitatively with available experimental data.

• OSTI ID: 5338209
• Journal Information: High Temp. (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Vol. 25:3; Other Information: Translated from Teplofiz. Vys. Temp.; 25: No. 3, 454-461(May-Jun 1987)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
AIR
CORONA DISCHARGES
PHOTOIONIZATION
LASER RADIATION
BEAM OPTICS
AIR FLOW
ELECTRON DENSITY
ENERGY LOSSES
FOCUSING
GAS FLOW
LASER-PRODUCED PLASMA
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PLASMATRONS
RADIANT HEAT TRANSFER
REFRACTION
SUBSONIC FLOW
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
VORTEX FLOW
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRON TUBES
ENERGY TRANSFER
FLUID FLOW
FLUIDS
GASES
HEAT TRANSFER
IONIZATION
LOSSES
PLASMA
RADIATIONS
640304* - Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics- Collision Phenomena