Vibrational relaxation, and dissociation

The most recent determination of was reported by Koshi et al (1979) based on incident shock wave experiments in NO/Ar mixtures (1-5% NO) at temperatures of 4000-7500 K. Detection of NO was by ir emission at two wavelengths (4.87 and 5.22 fim), with the objective of determining the vibrational temperature during NO decomposition. The analysis of the data allowed for coupling between vibrational relaxation and dissociation. Results were reported for both vibrational nonequilibrium and equilibrium rate constants the latter have been used in Fig. 3 and Table 3. The vibrational temperatures inferred show disagreement with the coupled relaxation and dissociation model, possibly due to nonequilibrium within the vibrational levels monitored. 

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