Emission spectroscopy characterization of electrode species in the freestream flow at the NASA Ames miniature Arc Jet II facility

• Time varying emission spectroscopy to characterize electrode deterioration. Highest rate of anode degradation occurring during arc jet startup. Characteristics the plasma estimated using a line-by-line radiation code. Analysis flow profile. The second generation miniature Arc Jet (mARC II) is subscale at NASA Ames Research Center that undergoing initial characterization. During its operation, electrodes used produce continuous flows deteriorate and purity decreases. present work reports use optical as characterization tool for impurities in flow. discussion focused on interpretation spectroscopic measurements their evolution under different testing conditions. Special emphasis given copper, main atomic element anode, oxygen nitrogen, two major components air plasma. highest deterioration found occur ignition. Based experimental spectra, preliminary numerical temperature, enthalpy number density conducted.