Limiting energy input to a glow discharge in a transverse gas flow

The relationship between the limiting energy inputs and the diffusion coefficient of a quasi-neutral plasma is studied theoretically, assuming the glow discharge in the transverse flow is unstable in its volt-ampere characteristics. The effects of changes in the volt-ampere characteristics on the diffusion coefficient of a nitrogen gas was analyzed assuming the expansion of the gas due to Joule energy release was isobaric. The theoretical calculations are compared with the available experimental data and the results are discussed.