Characteristics of the effect of low-current gas discharge on a strong shock wave

The effect of nonequilibrium plasma medium created by low-current gas discharge on a shock wave (Mach number M = 6.8) has been investigated. The shock wave is generated in a shock tube with a circular cross section and then passes through the area of the effect in the working chamber having a square cross section. The gas discharge is ignited in the area of the effect before the arrival of the shock wave by applying voltage to special pin electrodes mounted in the upper and lower walls of the working chamber. In the experiment, the phenomenon of broadening of the shock wave and an increase of its propagation velocity when passing through the region of nonequilibrium gas-discharge plasma was discovered.