Glow-discharge in a transverse flow of nitrogen and its mixtures with carbon dioxide and helium

The self-maintained, transverse glow-discharge in pure $\rm N_2 + \rm He,\,\rm N_2 + \rm CO_2$ and $\rm N_2 + \rm He + \rm CO_2$ mixtures is investigated by using the Doppler laser anemometry and the method of emission spectoscopy. The discharge is excited between a solid, flat anode and a sectional cathode at pumping-through gas velocities $\simeq 100$ m/sec in the pressure range of $1.33$–$5.99$ kPa and with a specific energy input in the $50$–$280$-J/g range. The three-dimensional flow velocity profile and the character of the plasma luminescence are examined, and the plasma temperature is measured. The basic mechanisms of dissipation of the electric energy supplied are considered.