A Balloon-Borne Aerosol Counter

Abstract

A balloon-borne aerosol counter which samples and sizes individual particles to an accuracy of plus or minus 10 percent over an order of magnitude size range extending down to 0.1 - 0.2 micron diameter regime, has been successfully flown. The device is completely self-contained and recoverable. The data are recorded on 9-channel magnetic tape in digital format compatible with an IBM 360 computer, and are processed automatically. Stratospheric aerosol size distributions have been obtained in increments of one and two kilometers, up to and including balloon float altitudes (above 23 km). These represent the first such direct information available, and are presented here in preliminary form. A description of the device, together with a discussion of calibration and automatic data reduction procedures, as well as recommendations for improvements in the latter, is given.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0737802

Entities

People

  • Henry A. Miranda Jr.
  • John Dulchinos

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Autonomy
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Circuit Boards
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Data Processing
  • Data Reduction
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Laser Beams
  • Lasers
  • Light Sources
  • Magnetic Tape
  • Measurement
  • Microsecond Time
  • Recording Systems
  • Tape Recorders

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerosol Science/Aerosol Physics
  • Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Data Science/Digital Signal Processing.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Satellites