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The structure and propagation of ionizing wave fronts

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 March 2009

D. L. Turcotte
Affiliation:
Graduate School of Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
R. S. B. Ong
Affiliation:
Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Abstract

A non-linear wave propagation mechanism is found for ionization fronts. The fronts propagate due to ionizing collisions between electrons and neutrals. A parameter is obtained which specifies the amount of electrical interaction. For small electrical interaction, charge separation may occur and the front can propagate at any speed greater than a critical value. For large electrical interaction, the number densities of ions and electrons are nearly equal and a lower bound on the propagation speed is also found.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1968

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