Experimental investigation of transport properties of low-temperature plasma by means of electric arc

The results of experimental investigations into the transport properties of low-temperature plasma carried out since 1960 in the Institute for High Temperatures of the USSR Academy of Sciences are summed up. Serving as the source of plasma was a well-stabilized dc arc. Properties of argon, nitrogen, air, and carbon dioxide plasma were studied at atmospheric pressure and at temperatures ranging from 7000° to 16 000°K. Data are presented on electric and thermal conductivity, total radiation of the aforementioned gases, as well as the results of investigations of argon viscosity up to 13 000°K.