N atom measurements in high-temperature N2 dissociation kinetics

Atomic resonance absorption spectroscopy is presently used to measure the dissociation of N/sub 2/ behind reflected shock waves in the 3390-6435 K temperature range, allowing direct observation of N atom formation in the postshock reaction zone. Attention is given to experiments performed in N/sub 2/-Ar mixtures at 0.9-2.1-bar pressures; reaction rate coefficients are directly determinable on the basis of N atom concentrations. 10 references.