Shock-tube studies of vibrational relaxation in nitrous oxide

Abstract

Results of experimental investigations of vibrational relaxation regions of shock waves in nitrous oxide are reported in this paper. The Mach-number range covered was from 1·5 to 7·5 and the photographs of the shocks were made using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and a spark source. The experimental and calculated values of the over-all density ratio were found to be in good agreement, and the values of the relaxation frequencies were consistent with the data of other workers.