ATMOSPHERIC DENSITY MEASUREMENT BY USE OF RADIOISOTOPE TECHNIQUES,

Abstract

Interactions of radiation particles and rays with air molecules were investigated as means of measuring air density. These interactions include transmission and scattering of alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma-rays. Only the scattering of beta particles and gamma rays are found to be suitable for use in density measurement. Environmental effects on the accuracy of a radioisotope density gage are examined. The shock layer, and possibly cosmic radiation background, are the sources of the largest errors. The results of experiments, with the use of the scattering of beta particles, to measure air density are reported. Usable data is obtained in the 100,000 to 270,000 foot altitude range. Promethium-147 and strontium-90 yttrium-90 are used as beta particle sources, and the responses of the two sources are compared. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1963
Accession Number
AD0418989

Entities

People

  • Richard Eskridge

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Alpha Particles
  • Atmospheric Density
  • Beta Particles
  • Cosmic Rays
  • Gamma Rays
  • Ionizing Radiation
  • Isotopes
  • Measurement
  • Nuclear Radiation
  • Particles
  • Radiation
  • Scattering

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerosol Science/Aerosol Physics
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.