Nonequilibrium Effects in Supersonic-Nozzle Flows

摘要

Nonequilibrium effects in supersonic-nozzle flows are discussed with emphasis on recent research results. The scope is limited to homogeneous gas-phase flows and to departures from thermo-chemical equilibrium arising from collisional relaxation of internal degrees of freedom and chemical reaction, including ionization. Translational-rotational equilibrium is assumed. The first half of the report reviews equilibrium properties of gases at high temperatures and the various nonequilibrium rate processes of interest. The last half discusses nonequilibrium effects occurring in nozzle flow expansions. Diatomic gases and air are emphasized; complex mixtures for propulsion applications are also discussed. (Author)