SPECTROMETER FOR ATMOSPHERIC IONS IN THEIR UPPER-MOST RANGE OF MOBILITY

Abstract

In the past, the mobility of atmospheric ions, and the number density in different mobility ranges (Ion Spectrum) have been measured in the terrestrial atmosphere in the heights from ground to about 5 km. Electric conductivities of the atmosphere have been measured up to about 30 km, and ion number densities to about 75 km. To extend the possibility of ion spectrum measurements up to the same height, a new method has been developed and tested in the laboratory. Its application in the free atmosphere is being prepared. The instrument may be used in planetarian atmosphere. The method consists of a GERDIEN-type 'differential ion counter of the second order,' providing a predetermined location of ion intake and a number of separate receiving electrodes for the ion impact. The driving voltage is a.c., its amplitude is increasing downstream the chamber. A low pressure wind tunnel for continuous operation, mostly in the subsonic range, has been developed and constructed for the laboratory experiments. This tunnel and its possible applications for other purposes are discussed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 04, 1965
Accession Number
AD0638761

Entities

People

  • August L. Oster
  • Hans Dolezalek

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Electric Charge
  • Electric Current
  • Electricity
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Electrometers
  • Electrons
  • Ionization
  • Ionization Chambers
  • Measurement
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Physics Laboratories
  • Pitot Tubes
  • Resistors
  • Space Charge
  • Spectrometers
  • Static Pressure
  • Voltage

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Plasma Physics.
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.