a Kinetic Theory Calculation of Microwave Breakdown Curves for Molecular Nitrogen.
Abstract
The electric field strength required to cause microwave breakdown in N2 was computed for three frequencies; 2.5, 10.0, and 24.1 GHz over the pressure range 1 to 600 torr. Comparison between the computed values and experimentally determined curves showed excellent agreement. A kinetic theory approach was used to determine the electron energy distribution function by numerically solving the Boltzmann transport equation. Breakdown curves were determined by balancing electron production (ionization) and electron loss (diffusion and recombination) processes. The distribution functions showed little dependence on the frequency and agreed with distribution functions computed by matrix inversion techniques for dc excitation.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- January 1977
- Bibcode:
- 1977PhDT........17H
- Keywords:
-
- Physics: Molecular;
- Kinetic Theory;
- Metastable State;
- Microwaves;
- Molecular Gases;
- Nitrogen;
- Boltzmann Transport Equation;
- Collision Parameters;
- Excitation;
- Gas Ionization;
- Iteration;
- Atomic and Molecular Physics