Methods for Releasing Metal Vapors in the Upper Atmosphere
Abstract
Based on the exothermic nature of intermetallic reactions techniques have been developed which are capable of generating high temperatures in the condensed phase. By proper selection, based on the relative vapor pressures of all the components, it is possible to selectively vaporize metals for atmospheric release applications. Two intermetallic systems were successfully tested in the laboratory for the release of atom aluminum. They are: Pd(s) + Al(s)-xes yields PdAl(1) + Al(g); Ti(s) + 2B(s) + Al(s) yields TiB2(s) + Al(g). Yields were determined for both reactions. The first reaction was used in releasing aluminum in the upper atmosphere at altitudes 145 Km and 125Km. Observations were made on the AlO clouds which were presumably formed by O2 attack on Al, Al + O2 yields AlO + O and subsequent photoluminescence of AlO by sunlight.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0780555
Entities
People
- Joseph A. Golden
- Peter D. Zavitsanos
Organizations
- General Electric