CHEMICAL KINETICS OF ENTRY INTO THE MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE
Abstract
The reactions between carbon monoxide and oxygen to form carbon dioxide have been examined in two separate experimental studies. In the first study a mixture of carbon monoxide and oxygen was introduced into a shock tube. The mixture then was heated by a shock wave and the rate of formation of carbon dioxide was determined. The carbon dioxide concentration was followed by observing the intensity of the infrared radiation at 4.25 mu emitted by the heated carbon dioxide. Rate constants were obtained. However, it was shown that if the amount of water vapor in the system was greater than 7 ppm the primary reactions were governed by the hydrogen-oxygen system of reactions. Hence, it was impossible to obtain reliable rate constants for the CO-O2 system of reactions. The elimination of such minute quantities of moisture is almost impossible. The second experimental study involved expanding a high temperature mixture of CO2, CO, O, and O2 through a supersonic expansion nozzle. From a measurement of the pressure profile down the nozzle the chemical state of the gas can be determined. Extensive computer programs were formulated for this phase of the investigation. Unfortunately the contract period came to an end at the conclusion of the calibration experiments. Hence, no information was obtained concerning the recombination of carbon dioxide.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0657778
Entities
People
- E. S. Fishburne
- K. R. Bilwakesh
- Rudolph Edse
Organizations
- Ohio State University