Collision Induced Dissociation of Diatomic Molecules.
Abstract
A discrete collisional theory of dissociation under equilibrium and nonequilibrium conditions using a quantum kinetic approach to molecular energy transfer was investigated. The kinetic equations for molecular dissociation in a pure diatomic gas and diatomic gases in the presence of an inert diluent were formulated and solved. The incubation time was calculated and exhibited good agreement with experimental measurements. An analytic steady state form for the vibrational population and dissociation rate was developed which agreed with the time-dependent calculations. It was determined that rotational states play a significant role in the dissociation process and that the standard ladder model is inadequate. When rotational effects are properly included in the analysis, good agreement with experimental data is obtained. The kinetics developed to address thermal dissociation under equilibrium conditions were extended to treat the highly nonequilibrium conditions achieved through intense optical pumping or electron impact excitation. The nonequilibrium treatment included a detailed investigation of electron impact dissociation. A parametric study of heavy particle and electron impact dissociation rates revealed that under conditions typically encountered in electric discharges, electron impact dissociation dominates the heavy partilce rate. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA063876
Entities
People
- William F. Bailey
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory