Analytical solution of a collisional-radiative model for nonequilibrium argon plasmas
The general analytical solution of a collisional-radiative model, including atom--atom inelastic collisions, for nonequilibrium, partially ionized, steady-state plasmas is presented. This is applied to argon plasmas and the results are compared with previous numerical calculations. The model includes three atomic energy levels; the ground level, one excited level, and continuum, and assumes a Maxwellian electron and atom distribution functions. All rates for collisional and radiative processes are expressed as analytical functions. The model is solved algebraically to obtain analytical expressions for the electron and excited atom densities as a function of the plasma parameters. In the limit of an optically thick plasma the solution agrees with results for complete thermodynamic equilibrium. Solutions are presented for a wide range of conditions (3000less than or equal toT/sub e/less than or equal to24 000 K, 10/sup 5/less than or equal toN/sub e/less than or equal toN/sub A/ cm/sup -3/, 10/sup 14/less than or equal toN/sub A/less than or equal to10/sup 18/ cm/sup -3/).
- Research Organization:
- Departments of Aerospace Engineering and Physics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-1191
- OSTI ID:
- 5459476
- Journal Information:
- Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 31:3; ISSN PFLDA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
700103* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Kinetics
ANALYTICAL SOLUTION
ARGON
ATOM COLLISIONS
ATOM-ATOM COLLISIONS
COLLISIONS
CORRELATIONS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELEMENTS
EMISSION
ENERGY LEVELS
EXCITED STATES
FLUIDS
GASES
GLOW DISCHARGES
INELASTIC SCATTERING
IONIZED GASES
NON-EQUILIBRIUM PLASMA
NONMETALS
PHOTON EMISSION
PLASMA
RARE GASES
SCATTERING
STEADY-STATE CONDITIONS
WEAKLY IONIZED GASES