Statistically designed matrix approach applied to the production of NOx in electrical discharges

Abstract

We have used statistically designed matrices to investigate the production of NO_x(NO and NO₂) in a laboratory electrical discharge in simulated air. Various physical effects play an important role in the process including pressure, spark gap and energy dissipated in the gas. The addition of trace gases to the simulated air mixtures leads to small changes in the total amount of NO_x formed and significant changes to the NO : NO₂ ratio.