This book describes the coupling between elementary processes, plasma kinetics and electrodynamics in different types of electrical discharges and under non-equilibrium conditions. Analytical methods based on rigorous kinetic theory are developed to interpret the results obtained by numerical methods. Particular emphasis is placed on the kinetics of non-equilibrium N2, O2 and N2-02 plasmas as well as on conditions relevant to atmospheric physics, reentry problems and acoustic and shock waves in non-equilibrium atmospheric gases.

This book describes the experimentally observed processes in ionized gases in the atmosphere from a theoretical point of view. It appeals to researchers, advanced students and meteorologists.

This book is the first to provide a comprehensive theoretical basis for explaining the plasma processes observed in the atmosphere Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt

1. Translational Relaxation of Heavy Particles.- 2. Rotational Relaxation of Molecules.- 3. Vibrational Relaxation of Molecules.- 4. Kinetics of Free Electrons.- 5. Energetic and Spectroscopic Parameters of Atmospheric Species.- 6. Rates of Translational and Rotational Relaxation.- 7. Rate Coefficients for Vibrational Relaxation.- 8. Electron Rate Coefficients.- 9. Electronic State Relaxation Rates.- 10. Rate Coefficients of Chemical Reactions.- 11. Interactions of Gas Phase Species with Surfaces.- 12. Discharges in Pure N2 and O2.- 13. Discharges in N2O2 Mixtures.- 14. Kinetic Processes in the Ionosphere.- 15. Interaction of Space Vehicles with Atmospheric Gases.- 16. Acoustic and Shock Waves in Non-equilibrium Gases.