Non-equilibrium plasma discharge: Characterization and effect on ignition

The characterization of stabilized piecewise non-equilibrium gliding arc plasma discharge and its effect on the ignition of nitrogen diluted methane-air counter flow flames have been investigated both experimentally and numerically. The motivation and focus of this work was to better categorize the non-equilibrium gliding arc discharge, as well as to study its effects on ignition enhancement by developing a more fundamental understanding of the interaction of non-equilibrium plasma with flames. To further identify the gliding arc plasma characteristics, spectral diagnostics were performed. The OH and N₂ spectrum were obtained and plasma rotational/vibrational temperatures were computed using theoretical well known techniques. Using visual imaging and reasonable assumptions, the current and electron densities at the cathode spot in the plasma arc have been estimated, which seem reasonably consistent with earlier investigations.