ELECTRON VELOCITY DISTRIBUTIONS IN GASES

Journal Article · Sun Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1963 · American Journal of Physics (U.S.)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1119/1.1969199· OSTI ID:4124555

Bowe, J C

An andalytical expression for the velocity-distribution function for the low-energy region (u < u/sub 1/) is obtained from the Maxwell-Boltzmann transport equation on the assumption that inelastic collisions occur at u = u/sub 1/. The exact linear differential equation that defines the distribution function in the high-energy (u> u/sub 1/) region is also derived. The mathematical difficulties and the usual approximations that are associated with this equation are briefly examined. An approximate analytical solution is given in terms of Hankel functions of the first kind when the cross section for inelastic collisions is assumed to be proportional to (u -- u/sub 1/)/sub gamma /. The theory, which is developed in an elementary formalism, applies to electrons that are in a uniform d-c electric field. Physical interpretations and the effects of inelastic collisions are emphasized. (auth)

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., Ill.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-18-004475
• OSTI ID: 4124555
• Journal Information: American Journal of Physics (U.S.), Journal Name: American Journal of Physics (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 31; ISSN AJPIA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CROSS SECTIONS
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRONS
ENERGY
GASES
INELASTIC SCATTERING
MATHEMATICS
PERTURBATION THEORY
PHYSICS
SCATTERING
TRANSPORT THEORY
VELOCITY