Molecular Energy Transfer Processes in Nonequilibrium Hypersonic Flows

The seminar gives an overview of experimental, theoretical, and kinetic modeling studies of molecular energy transfer in high-speed nonequilibrium flows and low-temperature plasmas at the OSU Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics Laboratories. Recent work includes development and operation of a laboratory scale Mach 5 nonequilibrium flow wind tunnel; flow characterization in the supersonic test section using laser diagnostics such as Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (N2 CARS), NO PLIF, and NO2 / NO Molecular Tagging Velocimetry (MTV); the effect of vibrational relaxation on the supersonic flow field; development of high frame rate flow diagnostics using a pulse burst laser; and development and use of molecular energy transfer / nonequilibrium air chemistry kinetic models. Ongoing work includes studies of state-specific O2 dissociation / recombination kinetics by ps LIF / Two-Photon Absorption LIF (TALIF) and measurements of excited metastable species in nonequilibrium high-speed flows by Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy (CRDS).