Spatial distribution of plasma parameters near a shock wavefront in a gas discharge

The profiles of charged-particle densities and the electric-field intensity in the case of a shock wave moving in the plasma of a longitudinal discharger are studied theoretically. The sizes of the regions of disturbed plasma parameters near the shock wavefront are estimated. It is shown that the character of the disturbances is different for electropositive and electronegative gases and depends on the direction of flow of the electric current.