On the velocity variation in atmospheric pressure plasma plumes driven by positive and negative pulses

To better understand the variation in the “plasma bullet” velocity, the dynamics of an atmospheric pressure plasma plume driven by positive and negative pulses are investigated in detail. It is found that, before the plasma exits the nozzle, the plasma propagates at a speed of about 30 km/s for both positive and negative pulses. As soon as the plasma exits the nozzle, the plasma propagation speed increases dramatically for both cases. The peak velocity for the case of the positive pulse is much higher than that of the negative pulse, it is approximately 150 km/s and 70 km/s, respectively. According to the optical emission spectra, the acceleration behavior of the plasma bullet when it exits the nozzle is due to the increase in the N2+ concentration.