Electron density calculations derived from the energy balance equation in a d.c. arc plasma burning in air

The Elenbaas-Heller equation was used to calculate the spatial distribution of electron densities ($\text{n}$_e(itR.z)) in a d.c. arc plasma burning in air at atmospheric pressure. Uranium, thorium, zirconium and a number of rare-earths were introduced as oxides into the plasma. The temperature and the electric field gradients were measured axially and radially. Electron densities were then derived from the calculated mean electrical conductivity ($\text{σ}$_(R.z)). The resulting electron density values were compared with values derived from Saha's equation for ionization processes.