Ionization Equilibrium and Radiative Cooling of a Low-Density Plasma

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (634) References (25) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Ionization Equilibrium and Radiative Cooling of a Low-Density Plasma Cox, Donald P. ; Tucker, Wallace H. Abstract The results of calculations of the ionization equilibrium and rate of radiative cooling of a high-tem- perature low-density plasma are presented. The elements H, He, C, N, 0, Ne, Mg, Si, and S are con- sidered, and the temperature range is taken to be 103_108 ° K. Electron collisions are assumed to be the only ionizing agent. The effect of the process of dielectronic recombination is seen to be most important for temperatures between 1O~ ° and 106 ° K. The radiative losses due to bremsstrahlung, recombination radiation, and collision-induced line emission are considered. For a gas with the cosmic abundances, the line emission due to 2s-2p transitions in oxygen ions produces a large peak in the cooling curve near 2 X 1O~ ° K Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: September 1969 DOI: 10.1086/150144 Bibcode: 1969ApJ...157.1157C full text sources ADS |