Diffusion Modeling in Support of the Space Shuttle.
Abstract
The requirements for a computer model to forecast the diffusion of rocket exhaust during launches of the Space Shuttle are discussed.The REEDM computer code includes basic mathematical expressions for atmospheric dispersion models, cloud-rise models and models for calculating the gravitational deposition of acid drops. Inputs are vehicle and other source parameters, meteorological parameters defining the state of the planetary boundary layer (including turbulence parameters) and physical properties of the rocket exhaust cloud. During launches of the Space Shuttle, the rocket engines emit large quantities of exhaust products, which combine with water from the sound suppression system and result in the formation of a large hot acid cloud near ground level. The cloud grows rapidly through entrainment and, shortly after ignition, it lifts off the ground and rises to its stabilization height. Typically the top of the stabilized cloud produced by the Space Shuttle is more than 2 kilometers above ground level. By convention, this cloud is referred to as the ground cloud. The rocket engines of the ascending vehicle also leave an exhaust trail which extends through the troposphere and beyond. The REEDM computer program is designed to calculate peak concentration, dosage and surface deposition (resulting from both gravitational settling and precipitation scavenging) of ground cloud constituents downwind from normal launches and launch failures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 14, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA160963
Entities
People
- Billie F. Boyd
- Clinton R. Bowman Jr