Measurement of intermediates in the process of plasma assisted ignition

Analysis of kinetics in the afterglow of pulsed nanosecond high-voltage discharge for conditions of plasma assisted ignition at elevated temperatures has been performed. Computer modelling based on results of the experimental data on ignition delay times, demonstrates a special behavior of the kinetic curves of intermediate components in the process of plasma assisted ignition. Calculated kinetic curves for electrons, O, OH radicals, and main reagents and products have been analyzed. Preliminary experiments have been performed to measured temporal dynamics of electron density, OH radicals, and discharge/combustion emission spectra for plasma assisted combustion.