Measurement of translational temperature in low-density jets

A technique and method for measuring the velocity-distribution function of the atoms in rarefied gas flows are described. Some results obtained with flows of binary gas mixtures behind a sonic nozzle are presented. The temperature of the light component (helium) is determined from the half width of the distribution function. Incomplete restoration of the helium temperature occurs in the Mach disk. This effect is examined in relation to concentration. A qualitative explanation is proposed for the effect in question.Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Mekhaniki i Tekhnicheskoi Fiziki, No. 1, pp. 30–34, January–February, 1973.