Electron energy distribution functions and second kind collisions

The role of second kind collisions (skc) in affecting the electron energy distribution function (eedf) is discussed in the light of old and new results. Different non-equilibrium situations are presented including low pressure and atmospheric plasmas. Special attention is devoted to the post-discharge conditions when the decay of electron temperature is such as to emphasize the role of skc in structuring the eedf. Finally, results for parallel plate reactors obtained by including self-consistent kinetics in a particle in cell with Monte Carlo collisions approach and 1D high enthalpy flows for aerospace applications are presented and discussed.