THE ROLE OF ALUMINUM AND ITS OXIDES AS SOURCES OR MODERATORS OF ELECTRONS IN SOLID PROPELLANT ROCKET EXHAUSTS.
Abstract
Five theoretical approaches to an understanding of gas-particle plasmas are outlined. Labora tory experiments have been made on the micro wave properties of gas-particle plasmas. Ob served ionization can be accounted for in terms of alkali metal impurity ionization. Photo electric and electron paramagentic resonance studies of alpha,2 d gamma-alumina particles indicated that spin centers in the particles may be the cause of previously observed photo electric effect radiation with 1849 A. Studies indicate that aluminum oxide with lattice defects may have a work function of 3.7 eV. The literature values for the A12O3 band gap as determined by electrical conduction are not well understood. Pure single crystal alumina prob ably has a large band gap in consequence of which the defect-free alumina work function may be higher than 4.38 eV. Excess aluminum and lattice defects in particles of alumina in rocket exhausts may give a particle work function of 3.72 eV. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0426973
Entities
People
- G.neil Spokes
Organizations
- SRI International