Physical, chemical processes in gases at high temperatures are focus of outstanding text by two distinguished physicists. Combines material from gas dynamics, shock-wave theory, thermodynamics and statistical physics, molecular physics, spectroscopy, radiation theory, other fields for comprehensive treatment. 284 black-and-white illustrations. 1966–1967 edition, originally published in two volumes.

The high temperatures generated in gases by shock waves give rise to physical and chemical phenomena such as molecular vibrational excitation, dissociation, ionization, chemical reactions and inherently related radiation. In continuum regime, these processes start from the wave front, so that generally the gaseous media behind shock waves may be in a thermodynamic and chemical non-equilibrium state. This book presents the state of knowledge of these phenomena. Thus, the thermodynamic properties of high temperature gases, including the plasma state are described, as well as the kinetics of the various chemical phenomena cited above. Numerous results of measurement and computation of vibrational relaxation times, dissociation and reaction rate constants are given, and various ionization and radiative mechanisms and processes are presented. The coupling between these different phenomena is taken into account as well as their interaction with the flow-field. Particular points such as the case of rarefied flows and the inside of the shock wave itself are also examined. Examples of specific non-equilibrium flows are given, generally corresponding to those encountered during spatial missions or in shock tube experiments.

Physics of Shock Waves and High-Temperature Hydrodynamic Phenomena, Volume II presents interpretations of the physical basis of shockwaves and high-temperature hydrodynamic phenomena and gives practical guidance to those who work with these subjects in science and modern technology. This volume contains chapters discussing such topics as the shockwave structure in gases; physical and chemical kinetics in hydrodynamic processes; the radiative phenomena in shock waves and in strong explosions in the air; thermal waves and shockwaves in solids; and self-similar processes in gasdynamics. Physicists, engineers, researchers, and professors and students in the field of the physical sciences will find the book very educational.

Physical, chemical processes in gases at high temperatures are focus of outstanding text, which combines material from gas dynamics, shock-wave theory, thermodynamics and statistical physics, other fields. 284 illustrations. 1966–1967 edition.